Phil Foden thinks off-field issues and an ankle injury were key factors that led to a "difficult season" with Manchester City.

The England international played a starring role as City won an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League title last season, scoring 26 goals across all competitions while collecting several individual accolades.

However, Foden has been unable to hit those heights this term, in which he has only found the net 10 times in all competitions.

The 24-year-old has also failed to score in each of his last 19 games for club and country in a run stretching back to January.

Foden also felt he rushed back after sustaining a "bad" ligament injury to his ankle against rivals Manchester United at the start of April.

"I've had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally," he said. "It's one of them - sometimes, there's things in life that are bigger than football. This season, I've struggled a little bit.

"Hopefully, come next year, I can get my head mentally right, get back where I left the season before - because I know what I'm capable of doing and the quality I have.

"It's been difficult. [My ankle] took a while to heal before I can push myself back in training, I had to look after it. It's been a frustrating season for me.

"I know if everything was OK, I'd definitely be better on the field. Sometimes, things happen, and you have to deal with it and move on. Unfortunately, I've had a difficult season.

"Now, it's just about improving and getting back to my best. I know my standards and what I can reach. I'm looking forward to getting back."

City bring down the curtain on their disappointing Premier League season against Fulham on Sunday, needing a point to secure Champions League qualification.

Pep Guardiola's side then travel to the United States for the expanded Club World Cup, which starts on June 14.

Before that, England play Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on June 7, while hosting Senegal in a friendly three days later, and Foden suggested he may have to consider skipping international duty to rest his ankle.

"Obviously, it's a difficult situation for me with the internationals right around the corner," he added.

"It's something we have to speak with the club and national team to see maybe if it's better to rest, and get my ankle fully 100% back how I want it.

"I just don't know at the moment. It's a conversation to be had, and we'll see what happens.

"It's obviously difficult because the lads are mentally drained from this season. I believe everyone needs the right time to recover to go back to next season.

"Obviously, there will be this competition that's coming up. It's going to be a funny one; some clubs will take it more seriously than others, but I know City and the club we are, we'll definitely take it seriously."