The return of Premier League football this weekend will pit Manchester City against West Ham, and they are already dealing with a triple threat of injuries.
The first international break of the new season saw Pep Guardiola and his players return to English top-flight action after a significant portion of the first-team squad left for friendlies, World Cup and European Championship qualifying games, and other trips abroad.
After a period away from the club, Guardiola returns.
He had emergency back surgery in Barcelona and is now recuperating in his hometown, so he has delegated duties to dependable assistant Juanma Lillo.
However, despite the fact that the majority of the Manchester City team have returned to the City Football Academy for weekend preparations, the club has been hit with a triple injury concern ahead of the visit to West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.
Mateo Kovacic didn’t show up for practice on Thursday night, according to Sky Sports News.
According to Croatian media, the midfielder missed both of his nation’s two Euro 2024 qualifiers due to a back muscle issue.
There is a perception in some circles that Kovacic was scheduled for evaluation upon his return to Manchester this week, but that he could be sidelined for up to 10 days, which would prevent him from playing this weekend and in the Champions League group stage against Red Star Belgrade.
Jack Grealish, a forward for City and elsewhere, missed first-team practice and remained injured after pulling out of England’s international roster before their two matches due to a thigh problem.
It was difficult for Grealish to be called up to the (England) national team, according to interim head coach Juanma Lillo, who spoke before the international break.
It will be difficult for me to explain because I am not a doctor.”.
When Grealish might return to Manchester City action is currently unknown, but Pep Guardiola may give an update on the team’s number 10 when he holds a press conference on Friday in the afternoon.
The City Football Academy’s Thursday evening training session was missed by three players, including John Stones.
However, according to Juanma Lillo’s most recent update, it is believed that Stones is “more or less” recovered.
Manchester City will aim to continue their perfect start to the new campaign by winning again this weekend, but West Ham, who are currently fourth in the Premier League standings, will present a stiff challenge.
City has so far defeated Burnley and Sheffield United on the road, and they have also defeated Newcastle United at home twice, most recently just before the international break.
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