Man City hit by another major injury blow just before Liverpool encounter
Manchester City have suffered another injury setback after John Stones walked off the pitch in the eighth minute of their Champions League match against Real Madrid.
The England international’s injury came after Kylian Mbappe opened the lead with a chip goal above Ederson in the fourth minute on Wednesday.
Pep Guardiola’s men have been hit by another squad issue just four days ahead of their crucial game against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The Spaniard has already come with an injury-hit band at Santiago Bernabeu as he left the Citizens’ striker Erling Haaland on the bench following his discomfort against Newcastle last week.
Ahead of the game, Guardiola said: ‘[Erling Haaland is] not far off, was close but not enough. He trained a bit yesterday, but we spoke yesterday, this morning, and he said he doesn’t feel good so another one.
‘Of course, Erling is massively important for us, you don’t need to be a manager to realise, but it is what it is, during the seasons it happens, we are used to this season to many cases and it could not be different today.’
John Stones was forced off the pitch in the eighth minute of the clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday
John Stones was forced off the pitch in the eighth minute of the clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday
In his absence, City’s new signing Omar Marmoush has taken over the No 9 position, alongside another newcomer, Nico Gonzalez, who is making his Champions League debut for the Manchester side.
Although Stones’ injury is yet to be confirmed, the Englishman has already missed 16 games this season due to various discomforts.
Guardiola will be without several key players for the upcoming match against Liverpool, such as Rodri – who is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the campaign – and Manuel Akanji, was substituted during the first leg against Madrid at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland picked up a knee problem during the 4-0 win over Newcastle at the weekend.
The Norwegian travelled with the squad for the second leg of the Champions League playoff tie against Real Madrid so he isn’t expected to be out for long.
Expected Return Date – Wednesday 19th Feb v Real or Sunday 23rd Feb v Liverpool
Ruben Dias was described as “not fully fit” for the Newcastle game but, like Haaland, he is in the squad for the Real fixture.
Considering the Portuguese international’s poor fitness record this season, it remains to be seen if he will be risked.
Jack Grealish missed the Newcastle fixture due to hip problem but Pep Guardiola has revealed he is ready to play at the Bernabeu:
[Jack] is able to play a really good game like in the FA Cup but not the consistency to play every week with two games.”
“He was not able to do it but hopefully, in the three-and-a-half months we have before the end of the season he can get it.”
Grealish started the first leg at the Etihad against Real before going off injured.
Nathan Ake was also deemed unfit for the victory over Newcastle but he is in the squad to face Real.
Like Ruben Dias, the Netherlands international has had his fair share of muscular problems this season so the club’s medical team will need to make a decision on whether he is ready to start at the Bernabeu.
Expected Return Date – Wednesday 19th Feb v Real or Sunday 23rd Feb v Liverpool
Oscar Bobb is believed to have suffered a minor setback on his return to full fitness.
The Norwegian international has reportedly picked up an ankle injury, after originally being sidelined with a fractured leg he sustained back in August.
Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Manuel Akanji will be out for up to 10 weeks after undergoing surgery on an adductor injury.
The Swiss international seemed to injury himself in the first half of the first leg against Real when blocking a cross from Vinicius Jr.
Expected Return Date – Saturday 26th April v Aston Villa.
Rodri has been named in City’s Champions League squad for the knockout stages, prompting excitement that the Spaniard could return from his ACL injury earlier than expected.
Guardiola has, though, subsequently played down the chance of the midfielder playing before the end of the domestic season. The target for his comeback remains the FIFA Club World Cup.
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