Manchester City Injury Update: Key Concerns Ahead of Crystal Palace Clash
Manchester City ended their seven-game winless streak in emphatic fashion on Wednesday, securing a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium. Goals from Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jeremy Doku propelled Pep Guardiola’s side to fourth place in the Premier League, now nine points behind league leaders Liverpool.
However, the win brought fresh injury concerns, with three players picking up knocks. Here’s a detailed look at City’s injury situation and potential return dates ahead of their Premier League trip to Crystal Palace this Saturday.
Manu Akanji
- Injury: Unknown
- Guardiola’s Comment:
“The problems continue with Manu and Nathan, but we prove what an incredible group of players we have at our disposal,” said Guardiola. “Nathan, it doesn’t look good; we will see tomorrow. Manu has struggled a lot over the last two months. I thank them for the effort they do. “I’m sad for Nathan. Manu we’ll see. Maybe not Selhurst Park but Turin. Nathan I think will be longer.” (December 4) - Potential Return Date: vs Juventus (A) – December 11
Nathan Ake
- Injury: Hamstring
- Guardiola’s Comment: (See above)
- Potential Return Date: Late December
Phil Foden
- Injury: Bronchitis
- Guardiola’s Comment:
“Phil [Foden] had bronchitis, so when he has no fever, he will be ready.” (December 4) - Potential Return Date: vs Crystal Palace (A) – December 7
Mateo Kovacic
- Injury: Unknown
- Guardiola’s Comment:
“Kovacic is injured. It will be a while, a few weeks or one month.” (November 22) - Potential Return Date: vs Aston Villa (A) – December 21
John Stones
- Injury: Foot
- What We Know: Stones played 45 minutes against Tottenham before being substituted at halftime. He has since missed games against Feyenoord, Liverpool, and Nottingham Forest.
- Potential Return Date: N/A
Rodri
- Injury: ACL (Knee)
- Guardiola’s Comment:
“Surgery this morning, ACL, and next season, he will be here. This season is over. Unfortunately, we got the worst [news possible], but these things happen. We will be there to support him in his recovery step-by-step.” (September 27) - Potential Return Date: June 2025
Oscar Bobb
- Injury: Fractured Leg
- Guardiola’s Comment:
“Oscar, I think, January or February, he will be ready.” (October 22) - Potential Return Date: vs Brentford (A) – January 14
Summary: City faces a mixed bag of fitness concerns, but players like Phil Foden could return in time for the Palace match. Meanwhile, long-term absentees like Rodri and Oscar Bobb continue their rehabilitation. Nathan Ake and Manu Akanji remain doubtful for the weekend, potentially leaving Guardiola with some key gaps to address.
