Manchester City face a growing injury list early in the new campaign, with several key players sidelined. The absence of these stars was evident as the Cityzens surrendered a one-goal lead to suffer a defeat against Brighton on Sunday, marking their second loss in three league matches.
Pep Guardiola has been forced to navigate this rough patch without some of his most influential players.
Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic and Savinho were all unavailable for selection in the recent fixture, raising concerns among supporters ahead of crucial games in both domestic and European competitions.
Amidst the injury crisis it was reported that John Stones, the only central defender who started all their league matches this season has a muscular problem.
John Stones Battling Fitness Issues Ahead Of Manchester Derby
Over the years, John Stones has become a very important figure in City defensive line. This campaign, he already started all their three league matches but could be unavailable for selection against Manchester United due to injury.
The defender who initially made the England squad for the international break was sent back to Manchester City with muscular problem. The England boss, Thomas Tuchel declared that he’s unfit to represent the national team.
As a result of this, Stones may miss the next week Manchester Derby in addition to many other unavailable players.
Rayan Cherki Injury Situation
Rayan Cherki is among the City injured players and could be out for up to two weeks, according to Guardiola. Signed to add creativity and flair to the squad, Cherki faces a race against time to return for key fixtures.
According to multiple reports, the Frenchman is set to miss high-profile clashes, including the Manchester Derby and some UEFA Champions League matches. His absence leaves a creative gap in midfield, especially as City aim to recover from their shaky start to the season.
Phil Foden’s Return and Other Injury Updates
Phil Foden has yet to start a match this season. The England international came off the bench against Tottenham Hotspur but missed the trip to Brighton due to fitness issues. Without a doubt, Foden is one of the best players at City. He will be expected to put behind him the struggling for fitness that prevented him from having a great season last campaign. His contribution will be needed particularly in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne who had already left the club to Napoli.
Guardiola expects Foden to return after the international break which will provide a major boost to City’s attacking options.
Also, Brazilian winger Savinho is yet to make any appearance for City this season. His unavailability has forced Pep Guardiola to stick with Oscar Bobb in the right wing. Although the Norwegian did excellently, it would be great to have both of them competing for the position. Therefore, the City boss will be glad to have Savinho back after the international break. His pace and direct style of play could be crucial for City’s wide attacking areas once fit.
In addition, there were initial concerns that Abdukodir Khusanov would join the Man City injured players list after he was withdrawn during the Brighton clash. Guardiola, however, reassured supporters after the game, saying the defender is “fine”. Therefore, he will be available for selection once the league resumes.
ALSO READ: Manchester City Finally Agreed to Sell Ederson Moraes to Fenerbahçe
Josko Gvardiol, another vital member of City’s defensive unit, has been sidelined but returned to training recently. The Croatian is a very important player for the Cityzens and his return will be a boost for the team. Last campaign, he started almost all the City games as a left-back. His impressive performances week in week out earned him the award of City best player of the season.
Therefore, he could be one of the players Pep Guardiola needs to get the team back on the right track. He is tipped to rejoin the squad after the international break and could be ready for selection again.
Mateo Kovacic, meanwhile, faces a longer recovery. The midfielder underwent surgery and has started rehabilitation, meaning he is unlikely to return soon. Guardiola will, however, hope to have him back later in the season to reinforce the midfield.
