Manchester City Facing Injury Woes Ahead of Champions League Clash
Manchester City’s squad depth is being stretched thin as their injury list grows, leaving Pep Guardiola with tough choices. The recent Premier League defeat to Bournemouth highlighted the challenge as key players like John Stones and Ruben Dias joined the ranks of unavailable stars.
Even with the return of Kevin De Bruyne, Savinho, and Jeremy Doku to the bench, none of the trio were fit enough to take the field. With a Champions League showdown against Sporting Lisbon and a Premier League trip to Brighton next, City is hoping the November international break will offer some relief. Here’s the latest on the team’s injured players and when they might return.
John Stones
Injury: Foot (Plantar Fasciitis)
Update: Stones missed the Bournemouth game due to plantar fasciitis, an ongoing foot issue that’s been troublesome. Guardiola hinted he may be back for the Portugal trip, but the clash with Brighton seems a more realistic target.
Potential Return: Brighton (A) – November 9
Ruben Dias
Injury: Muscular
Update: Dias was subbed off at halftime during the cup match against Spurs and sat out the Bournemouth defeat. His timeline suggests he won’t be back until after the international break.
Potential Return: Tottenham (A) – November 23
Savinho
Injury: Ankle
Update: It looked bad when Savinho was stretchered off against Spurs, but he made it to the bench against Bournemouth, a sign that he’s likely to be ready soon.
Potential Return: Sporting Lisbon (A) – November 5
Jeremy Doku
Injury: Unknown
Update: Originally expected to be out until late November, Doku surprised fans with a quicker recovery. He was back in the squad against Bournemouth, and game action could come very soon.
Potential Return: Sporting Lisbon (A) – November 5
Jack Grealish
Injury: Unknown
Update: Grealish picked up a knock in training right before the Champions League game against Sparta Prague. He’s expected to remain sidelined until after the break.
Potential Return: Tottenham (H) – November 23
Kevin De Bruyne
Injury: Thigh
Update: De Bruyne’s been out since his injury against Inter Milan but was benched against Bournemouth for the first time. Caution is key, so he may not be risked until the Brighton fixture.
Potential Return: Brighton (A) – November 9
Rodri
Injury: ACL
Update: Rodri’s season is unfortunately over due to a severe ACL injury. City’s medical team is hopeful he’ll be ready for the start of next season.
Potential Return: August 2025
Oscar Bobb
Injury: Fractured Leg
Update: Bobb suffered a fractured leg in August, but he’s racing to be back in time for the holiday season games.
Potential Return: December
With a challenging schedule ahead and several top players on the sidelines, Guardiola and City fans will be hoping for swift recoveries and a fully fit squad after the break.
