The City attacking midfielder was forced to sit on the sidelines after picking up a red card in our 1-0 Premier League win at Manchester United last month.
The England midfielder returned to the squad for Wednesday’s 4-2 UEFA Champions League loss at home to Paris Saint-Germain where he was an unused substitute.
That suspension meant it has been a truncated start to the season for the Academy graduate.
Foden has also not found the target in the league for City since last December.
However addressing the media at Friday’s pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s return to Premier League action at home to Ipswich, the boss said that Foden’s quality and know-how would soon prove crucial.
“He will score tomorrow!,” the manager quipped.
“We just try to work with him day by day.
“The international break and since the red card against United has been quite long.
“But he has been training well, he’s doing well since we start [made a] very positive start, very good.
“We will see if he is available tomorrow, but we have so many games.
“We need to decide if he starts tomorrow or not and if he does, no doubt he will give us something.”
The Italian also had warm words of praise for teenage Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouddai who made a huge impact against PSG after coming on at the start of the second half.
The 18-year blended supreme technique and temperament against the European champions and was at the heart of so much that was good about the Blues’ second 45 minutes.
For his part, the boss said Bouaddi was the type of player who instinctively brought the best out in others.
“Ayyoub is a fantastic player. The good thing about Ayyoub is that when he is inside the pitch, he improves the ones around him,” Maresca added.
“And this just from top players. Sometimes when top players are on the pitch the ones who move around him are better. I have this feeling with Ayyoub.
“There are players that playing alongside other players they can be better.”
Be at City v AEK Athens!
We welcome the Greek champions in a 20:00 (UK) kick-off on Tuesday 20 October for our third game in this year’s League Phase.
Known for their vociferous support and enjoying their first Champions League campaign since 2018/19, the striking yellow and black colours of AEK Athens make for a spectacle everywhere they go.
And every game counts if we’re to finish in the top eight and ensure safe progression through to the Round of 16.
So make sure you’re there to support the Blues, with adult prices starting from £35 and Under-18s just £20 each.
And why not make a special night of it?
We have a wide range of hospitality packages available, whether you’re looking for an exclusive bar, a dining experience or true once-in-a-lifetime magic, it’s all available at the Etihad Stadium.
In fact, hospitality starts from just £90 per person!
And you can save 20% off your hospitality when you book any two eligible home UEFA Champions League fixtures in the brand-new City Hall or CROSSBAR suites!
