Manchester City’s Premier League title race could become more difficult after manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that midfielder Mateo Kovacic suffers an ankle injury.
The Croatian international was absent as City defeated Bournemouth 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, a match in which Erling Haaland scored twice to secure all three points for the champions.
Despite the victory, Guardiola’s mood after the final whistle was tempered by news of Kovacic’s condition — another blow to a squad already stretched in key areas.
Speaking after the game, Guardiola revealed the extent of the problem, saying: “He will be out for a while. He still has a problem with the ankle, a little calcification still there. We’ll wait on him for the last part of the season.”
City’s control in midfield, a cornerstone of their dominance under Guardiola, has looked fragile in recent weeks.
Against Bournemouth, the champions’ defensive structure wavered at times, exposing a midfield that appeared short of balance.
Bernardo Silva struggled to impose himself in the deeper role, while Nico Gonzalez, more naturally suited to a box-to-box position, impressed but lacked the defensive assurance of a specialist holding midfielder.
Gonzalez has been deputising for Rodri, whose own fitness issues have limited his involvement this season.
With Mateo Kovacic suffers an ankle injury and ruled out for a significant period, Guardiola could find himself relying heavily on the former Porto man to anchor the midfield in the coming fixtures.
Though Kovacic has never been an out-and-out defensive midfielder, his composure in possession and ability to transition play have provided Guardiola with valuable flexibility. His absence further narrows City’s options in an area already thinned by injuries and fatigue.
Rodri, who was came on as a substitute in the win over Bournemouth, has started only six league matches this campaign. Guardiola may hesitate to push him too quickly back into the lineup given his recent fitness concerns.
Still, a sustained run of availability for the Spaniard could prove decisive if City are to maintain their pursuit of league leaders Arsenal.
Guardiola faces balancing act in attack and midfield
While midfield depth is a growing worry, City’s reliance on Erling Haaland remains another area of concern. The Norwegian striker has scored 13 of the team’s 18 Premier League goals this season, underlining his status as the focal point of their attack.
Should Haaland suffer an injury, City’s options up front would look limited, with no like-for-like replacement to provide his level of productivity or physical dominance.
In contrast, title rivals Arsenal appear better equipped to absorb absences. Mikel Arteta’s men, who sit six points clear at the top of the table, have managed to cope without key figures such as William Saliba and Martin Ødegaard at various points this season.
Their squad depth and tactical cohesion have allowed them to remain consistent, while City have been forced to shuffle personnel due to injuries and rotation.
Liverpool, too, have shown signs of vulnerability, particularly in defence, where another injury to a centre-back could leave Arne Slot with only two senior options.
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Yet despite their own problems, both Arsenal and Liverpool have managed to sustain pressure at the top end of the table — something City must match if they are to retain their crown.
It should, however, be noted that Guardiola’s side have often been at their best during the second half of the season, but the coming months may present one of the Catalan’s biggest tests yet.
As Mateo Kovacic suffers an ankle injury and with Rodri still finding rhythm, the midfield lacks its usual authority. The manager has previously turned to tactical innovations to solve personnel shortages, but with the Premier League more competitive than ever, City cannot afford prolonged experimentation.
