Manchester City’s Injury Crisis Deepens Ahead of Critical Matches
Pep Guardiola faces mounting challenges as Manchester City grapples with a defensive injury crisis at a crucial point in their season. With pivotal clashes against Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday and Manchester United in next weekend’s derby, the Blues are stretched thin.
Adding to the headache, Rico Lewis will miss the derby due to suspension after being sent off during the draw with Crystal Palace, leaving Guardiola with just three senior defenders for the visit of Ruben Amorim’s men. Here’s the latest injury update from the Etihad:
Manuel Akanji
- Injury: Unknown
- What We Know: Guardiola revealed that Akanji has been managing fitness issues and was substituted at halftime during the win over Nottingham Forest. He didn’t feature against Crystal Palace.
- Potential Return Date: Juventus (A) – December 10
Nathan Ake
- Injury: Hamstring
- What We Know: Ake suffered a hamstring injury late in the win over Forest. While initial concerns hinted at a severe issue, Guardiola suggested it’s not long-term but did not confirm when the defender might return.
- Potential Return Date: Manchester United (H) – December 15
Phil Foden
- Injury: Bronchitis
- What We Know: Foden has been sidelined with bronchitis, missing the Forest and Palace games. However, he could make a return for the Champions League tie against Juventus.
- Potential Return Date: Juventus (A) – December 10
Mateo Kovacic
- Injury: Unknown
- What We Know: Kovacic returned from Nations League duty with Croatia carrying an injury that will sideline him for “maybe a month,” according to Guardiola. His absence adds to City’s midfield woes, compounded by Rodri’s long-term injury.
- Potential Return Date: Aston Villa (A) – December 21
John Stones
- Injury: Unknown
- What We Know: Stones played just 45 minutes against Spurs before being substituted. He has since missed two consecutive matchday squads, though City hope for his availability soon.
- Potential Return Date: Nottingham Forest (H) – December 14
Rodri
- Injury: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
- What We Know: The midfield lynchpin suffered a serious knee injury that will keep him out until mid-2025. Rodri has expressed his desire to return before season’s end, possibly for the Club World Cup.
- Potential Return Date: June 2025
Oscar Bobb
- Injury: Fractured Leg
- What We Know: The Norwegian suffered a leg fracture in August and is racing to return before the end of the year. City remain hopeful that Bobb could feature during the festive period.
- Potential Return Date: Late December
The Road Ahead
With City having won just one of their last nine matches, Guardiola must find creative solutions to address his squad’s vulnerabilities. The coming fixtures against Juventus and Manchester United will test the resilience of both the players and their manager.
