Manchester City Injury Update: De Bruyne and Walker Out for Champions League Clash Against Sparta Prague
Manchester City’s impressive victory over Wolves came with some disappointing news for fans as manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that both Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker are still sidelined due to injuries.
Injury Updates
De Bruyne, the creative heartbeat of the team, has been missing for over a month due to a thigh issue sustained during a Champions League match against Inter Milan. Although he has begun light training, Guardiola stated that he isn’t quite ready to return. Meanwhile, Walker was absent from the squad at Molineux and is also expected to miss the upcoming Champions League fixture against Sparta Prague. However, there is hope that both players could make their comebacks for the crucial Premier League match against Southampton on October 26.
In addition to De Bruyne and Walker, City is dealing with long-term absences. Rodri continues to recover from a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which will keep him out for the rest of the season. Oscar Bobb, who suffered a fractured leg in August, is also on the mend, racing against time to return before the year ends.
On a positive note, defender Nathan Ake made his return to the matchday squad against Wolves, and Manuel Akanji, who was a doubt before the game, was fit enough to be included on the bench, though neither player was needed in the match.
Player-Specific Injury Details
Kyle Walker
- Injury: Unknown
- Status: Walker missed the Wolves match due to a fitness issue after participating in one of England’s games during the international break. Guardiola does not anticipate his return for Wednesday’s Champions League clash.
- Potential Return: Southampton (H) on October 26.
Kevin De Bruyne
- Injury: Thigh
- Status: De Bruyne has been sidelined since his injury against Inter Milan. While he is back in light training, he won’t be available for the match against Sparta Prague. Given his injury history, the club is likely to proceed with caution.
- Potential Return: Southampton (H) on October 26.
Rodri
- Injury: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
- Status: Rodri faces a lengthy recovery and will miss the entire season, with hopes pinned on his fitness for the start of the 2025-26 season.
- Potential Return: August 2025.
Oscar Bobb
- Injury: Fractured Leg
- Status: Bobb is making strides in his recovery from a leg fracture sustained in August, with the goal of returning in time for the festive period.
- Potential Return: December.
As City navigates this injury crisis, the return of key players could be pivotal in maintaining their title challenge and European ambitions. Fans will be eagerly watching the developments as the team prepares for their busy schedule ahead.
