Manchester City are facing some injury headaches ahead of their Premier League clash with Wolves next week, with five players currently in doubt.
As the international break comes to a close, Pep Guardiola will be anxiously waiting to see if his stars return unscathed. However, Jack Grealish has already picked up a minor knock while on duty with England, adding to City’s growing concerns.
With a hectic schedule looming—seven games in just 21 days—Guardiola knows his squad can’t afford any more setbacks. His squad options are already looking thin, so much so that he couldn’t even fill the bench during last week’s narrow 3-2 victory over Fulham, resorting to naming two goalkeepers in the matchday squad.
City’s upcoming run may seem forgiving on paper, with Premier League games against Wolves, Southampton, Bournemouth, and Brighton, plus Champions League ties against Sparta Prague and Sporting Lisbon. There’s also a Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham, where Guardiola has hinted he might field a younger, less experienced team.
Historically, the autumn months have not been kind to City, with a noticeable dip in form in each of the last five seasons. But if the reigning champions can navigate the next seven games without any major stumbles, they’ll be in a solid position going into the winter stretch of the campaign.
Of course, much of that will depend on the health of the squad. Here’s a breakdown of City’s injury concerns ahead of their trip to Wolves next Sunday and when each player is expected to be back in action…
1. Nathan Ake – Expected return date: 20 October
Guardiola confirmed prior to the Fulham game that he expects the Dutch defender to return after the October international break. Ake hasn’t started a game this season and is back in training following his absence from the squad
2. Rodri – Expected Return Date: 2025/26
Unfortunately for City fans, their number 16 will not be returning this season after suffering an ACL injury during the match against Arsenal last month. In his absence, Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis have primarily taken over the duties at the base of midfield.
3. Kevin De Bruyne – Expected Return Date: 20 October
Similar to Ake, City’s playmaker is expected to make his comeback following the international break. De Bruyne, who has requested to skip Belgium’s matches in November, has been sidelined for the last five games with City.
4. Oscar Bobb – Expected Return Date: January
After sustaining a leg fracture before the season kicked off, Bobb is not anticipated to return until after Christmas. His injury has left City somewhat short on options in the wide attacking positions.
