City Boss Relieved as Injury Woes Ease Ahead of Community Shield Clash
Pep Guardiola is breathing a sigh of relief as Manchester City appears to have dodged a pre-season injury bullet. While the pursuit of silverware in the United States was intense, the City boss’ primary goal was to return home with a fully fit squad.
Despite a few bumps in the road, including concerns over star striker Erling Haaland and goalkeeper Ederson, the Citizens seem to have weathered the storm. Haaland’s minor knocks and Ederson’s precautionary absence have not derailed their preparations, with both players back in training and eyeing a potential return for the Community Shield showdown against Manchester United.
While the likes of Josh Wilson-Esbrand nursing a hamstring injury is a setback, the timely return of defensive stalwarts Manu Akanji, Ruben Dias, and Nathan Ake provides a much-needed boost to the backline.
However, Guardiola is sounding a note of caution. With a demanding schedule ahead and a squad that has been heavily involved in international duty, the Spaniard is bracing for a potential slow start. The manager has opted to give significant game time to younger players during pre-season to manage the workload of his star-studded lineup. As the season kicks off, fans can expect to see a City side gradually finding its rhythm.
