Manchester City Set for Key Injury Boost Ahead of Tottenham Clash
Manchester City could receive a significant lift as several first-team stars are in contention to return for Saturday’s Premier League showdown against Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium.
After suffering four consecutive defeats before the international break, Pep Guardiola’s side has welcomed a number of key players back to training. Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Phil Foden have all participated in sessions this week, raising hopes for their inclusion.
Meanwhile, Ruben Dias, who has been recovering from a calf injury in Lisbon, remains a possibility for selection. Jeremy Doku (muscle), Nathan Ake (fitness), and Matheus Nunes (unspecified) will undergo late fitness tests. Unfortunately, Rodri (ACL) and Oscar Bobb (leg fracture) remain sidelined with long-term injuries.
Guardiola, who is reportedly close to signing a one-year contract extension, handed Jahmai Simpson-Pusey his Premier League debut during the 2-1 loss to Brighton before the break. However, the 19-year-old may return to the bench if Stones, Akanji, or Dias are fit to reclaim a starting role.
Josko Gvardiol, who started at center-back against Brighton, could shift to left-back, while the right-back position will likely be contested between Rico Lewis and former Spurs defender Kyle Walker, both of whom featured for England during the international break.
In midfield, Ilkay Gundogan, now retired from international duty with Germany, is well-rested and ready to partner Mateo Kovacic. Guardiola faces the challenge of deciding whether to start one or both of Foden and De Bruyne in advanced positions.
Bernardo Silva could either take up a central midfield role or operate on the wing. Upfront, Erling Haaland, who netted four goals in two games for Norway during the break, is a guaranteed starter, likely joined by Savinho.
Predicted Manchester City Starting XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Ederson
- Defenders: Walker, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol
- Midfielders: Kovacic, Gundogan
- Attackers: Bernardo, Foden, Savinho
- Striker: Haaland
With a refreshed squad and reinforcements in key areas, City will be eager to get back to winning ways against a Spurs side looking to spoil the party.
