Manchester City are set to face Sparta Prague in the Champions League on Wednesday night, but they’ll be without four key players due to injuries.
Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne are nearing a return, but neither will be ready for midweek action. Walker, who picked up an injury while on international duty with England, still has no confirmed return date. As for De Bruyne, although he has resumed light training after a thigh injury, Pep Guardiola is taking a cautious approach, ensuring he’s fully fit before stepping back onto the pitch.
Two longer-term absentees are Oscar Bobb and Rodri, both of whom are facing lengthy spells on the sidelines. Bobb, who suffered a fractured leg in August, is at least a month away from a potential return, while Rodri is out for the season following a devastating ACL injury. City hopes Rodri will be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season.
Here’s the latest on their injuries:
Kyle Walker
- Injury: Unknown
- Update: Walker missed the match against Wolves due to a fitness issue, and his return is still uncertain. He featured in one of England’s recent international fixtures but isn’t expected to play against Southampton this weekend.
- Potential Return: Tottenham (A) – October 30
Kevin De Bruyne
- Injury: Thigh
- Update: De Bruyne has been out since the Champions League final against Inter Milan. Although back in training, he’s not yet feeling ready to return, and City are being cautious with his recovery.
- Potential Return: Southampton (H) – October 26
Rodri
- Injury: ACL
- Update: Rodri’s knee injury is serious, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. City will be hoping for his full recovery by the start of the next campaign.
- Potential Return: August 2025
Oscar Bobb
- Injury: Fractured leg
- Update: Bobb broke his leg in August and is fighting to return before the end of the year. City hopes to see him back on the pitch during the festive season.
- Potential Return: December
