Pep Guardiola speaks on Manchester City latest injury situation as his team prepares for a vital Premier League encounter against Aston Villa this Sunday.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Friday, the Spaniard addressed concerns surrounding key players’ fitness while expressing confidence in his squad’s momentum heading into the clash at Villa Park.
City travel to Birmingham on the back of an impressive unbeaten run, stretching across eight matches in all competitions. The Sky Blues have turned their season around after a slow start that saw them lose twice in their opening three league fixtures.
That resurgence has propelled them to second place in the Premier League standings, just behind leaders Arsenal.
Guardiola’s men also continued their strong European form in midweek, securing a 2–0 victory over Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League.
Goals from Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva ensured the Blues maintained their perfect record in the group stage. The night also saw a special moment for Rodri, who was honoured by the Spanish club for his formative years at their academy before moving on to greater heights.
However, the midfielder has not featured for City since suffering a hamstring injury during their narrow 1–0 win over Brentford at the start of October.
In his absence, Nico González has impressed in the holding midfield role, showing maturity and composure beyond his years. Guardiola acknowledged González’s growing importance but revealed that his fitness has become a fresh concern following the Villarreal game.
Meanwhile, the recent returns of Mateo Kovačić and Rayan Cherki have added depth to City’s midfield options. Both players featured in last weekend’s 2–0 Premier League win over Everton, where Haaland’s brace secured all three points.
That victory also marked the return of Nathan Aké to the starting lineup for the first time since February, as Josko Gvardiol was handed a rest after admitting he struggled last season with the intensity of City’s demanding schedule.
Guardiola confirms absentees and cautious approach with González
City’s midweek victory in Spain came at a small cost. Nico González was forced off the pitch in the second half after picking up a knock to his foot, raising concerns about his availability for the weekend.
Guardiola confirmed after the match that the midfielder had sustained an injury, and speaking again on Friday, he provided a cautious update on the player’s condition.
“I didn’t see the doctors, and we’ll see tomorrow – today and tomorrow – how does he (Gonzalez) feel. Something with his feet,” Guardiola said, noting that the club’s medical staff would assess the player’s progress before any decision is made.
The manager also revealed that both Rodri and Abdukodir Khusanov will miss the trip to Villa Park, continuing their recoveries from injuries.
“Still the guys who were not able in Villarreal, still they are not ready,” Guardiola said, referring to the pair’s ongoing rehabilitation.
Khusanov, who picked up an injury during City’s 1–1 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates in September, remains on the sidelines with no set return date.
Guardiola explained that the medical team remains cautious given the nature of the defender’s issue. “I think he’s close to coming back but he’s still not ready. (He) has an injury in a dangerous, dangerous position in his body,” he added.
Despite Manchester City latest injury situation, confidence remains high. Their recent form, combined with Guardiola’s ability to rotate effectively, has kept the team competitive across all fronts.
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The Catalan manager is known for his meticulous planning and adaptability, and Sunday’s fixture represents another test of City’s squad depth as they continue their pursuit of Arsenal at the top of the table.
With crucial matches on the horizon, including domestic and European commitments, Guardiola will be mindful of balancing results with player welfare.
His comments suggest that while González could feature if deemed fit, the club will not rush any player back into action prematurely.
