Manchester City’s injury list continues to grow as three key players have pulled out of international duty, jeopardizing their availability for City’s must-win clash against Brighton in the Premier League.
Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Jack Grealish are all set to miss City’s upcoming game against Brighton. The trio’s absence could leave City’s defense significantly weakened as they look to avoid slipping further behind Liverpool in the league standings.
Dias has been struggling with a muscular problem that sidelined him for City’s last two matches, while Stones has been dealing with a foot injury. Both players have been omitted from their national teams for the international break, joining Nathan Ake, who was also excluded from his squad.
Ake remained on the bench in City’s recent game against Sporting, where teenager Jahmai Simpson-Pusey was handed his first start. If Ake’s absence continues, City may have to get creative with their defense, potentially starting Rico Lewis on the left, Kyle Walker on the right, and Josko Gvardiol in a central role.
City manager Pep Guardiola has further concerns about Grealish’s fitness. Despite being called up to the England squad, Grealish’s fitness status has come under scrutiny, with Guardiola challenging recent comments from England’s interim manager, Lee Carsley.
Carsley had announced that Grealish had trained for two days and would be assessed upon joining the squad, with precautions to be taken to ensure his fitness. However, Guardiola offered a different perspective, stating, “No, he’s not fit.” According to Guardiola, Grealish only managed “20 minutes on the grass on Friday,” contradicting Carsley’s report.
“It’s a question for the manager of England,” Guardiola remarked, hinting at his own doubts about Grealish’s readiness. “The same as Lisbon. The same guys who travel are there,” he added, signaling no improvements in City’s injury woes.
