Manchester City are navigating a delicate phase of the campaign as Pep Guardiola’s side contend with a growing list of injury concerns. The Sky Blues have been forced to balance their pursuit of trophies with the physical demands placed on key players, and while there is some light at the end of the tunnel, uncertainty still lingers over several first-team stars.
The international break was expected to bring relief and much-needed recovery time that could translate to a good Man City injury update for the City supporters, these fans may, however, have to settle for cautious optimism rather than complete reassurance. Some players are edging closer to a return, while others continue to face setbacks that threaten squad depth and stability.
Rodri’s Fitness Woes Raise Midfield Concerns
Few players embody Manchester City’s rhythm and balance more than Rodri. The Spanish midfielder has been at the heart of Guardiola’s tactical system, dictating play and offering defensive stability. However, his recurring fitness problems have become a major concern for the Premier League champions.
Rodri, who has been carefully managed since suffering a serious knee injury earlier in the season, appeared to struggle with his workload after consecutive starts. Having played against Monaco, he was again named in the lineup versus Brentford but lasted only 22 minutes before pulling up.
Guardiola’s comments after the match shed light on the decision to substitute him earlier in the week. “Everyone was wondering why I substituted Rodri against Monaco, and today everyone understood why,” Guardiola told reporters. He added, “I don’t know how long he will be out; we are waiting for the tests.”
The absence of a confirmed return date has heightened anxiety among supporters. Rodri’s potential spell on the sidelines would leave a significant void in midfield and force Pep Guardiola into an unwanted reshuffle. Without him, City often struggle to maintain control in transitions and dictate tempo — issues that could become more pronounced in a busy fixture schedule that includes domestic and European commitments.
While the manager is known for tactical adaptability, Rodri’s influence has often been irreplaceable. His ability to read the game, break up opposition play, and initiate attacks from deep has been instrumental in City’s success.
Should his recovery extend beyond the expected timeframe, Guardiola may have to rely more heavily on players such as Nico González and Mateo Kovačić — neither of whom offer the same level of assurance.
Cherki’s Surprise Comeback Sparks Positivity
Amid the uncertainty surrounding Rodri, there was a welcome sight at the Gtech Community Stadium during City’s clash with Brentford. Rayan Cherki, who had been ruled out for “two months, seven or eight weeks” after sustaining a thigh injury, made a surprise appearance on the substitutes’ bench — nearly a month ahead of schedule.
The £30 million summer signing had made a bright start to life at the Etihad, scoring on his debut before injury interrupted his progress. Though he did not feature in the game, his inclusion in the matchday squad is an encouraging sign that he is nearing full fitness.
Cherki’s technical ability and creativity in the final third offer Guardiola another attacking dimension. His versatility allows him to operate both centrally and on the flanks, making him a valuable option as City prepare for a demanding post-international break schedule. Should he maintain his recovery trajectory, the young Frenchman could feature against Everton, providing fresh energy and unpredictability in attack.
Defensive and Attacking Options Still Limited
While Cherki’s recovery is a good news regarding Man City injury update, not all of City’s injured stars are as close to returning. Rayan Aït-Nouri, who suffered an ankle injury in August’s home defeat to Manchester City, remains sidelined. The Algerian full-back has now missed eight consecutive matches, and his exclusion from Algeria’s latest national team squad suggests that his return is still some way off.
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In defence, Abdukodir Khusanov’s situation mirrors that of Aït-Nouri. The Uzbekistan international was forced off at half-time during the clash with Arsenal and was initially expected to miss three games. Brentford marked the end of that timeline, yet he was not included in the squad. Guardiola now faces a race against time to bring him back to full fitness before the upcoming fixtures.
Omar Marmoush, meanwhile, continues his rehabilitation after suffering a knee ligament injury while on international duty with Egypt. Initial expectations suggested he would return before the October break, but his continued absence has raised questions about a possible setback in recovery.
With the club remaining tight-lipped, supporters are left guessing whether his rehabilitation has simply taken longer than anticipated or if fresh concerns have emerged.
