Anchester City suddenly have a series of injuries to contend with as they chase a remarkable hat-trick in the final weeks of the season.
Dominant City’s fifth Premier League title in six seasons and a run for the Champions League and FA Cup finals was largely built on management to avoid many fitness worries, although a few concerns remain. are now accumulating for Pep Guardiola.
City rested several players for Sunday’s win over Chelsea after Arsenal’s defeat at Nottingham Forest 24 hours earlier guaranteed them the title, with a number of key names missing again for the hard-fought draw Wednesday against Brighton, in the Europa League.
Guardiola’s men travel to Brentford on the final day of the top-flight season on Sunday, before Manchester United await the FA Cup final at Wembley on June 3 and Inter Milan then hide in the room mistress of the Champions League in Istanbul on June 10.
These are two hugely important weeks ahead for Man City. Here’s all their latest injury news and potential return dates.
John Stones
Stones started for City against Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday but was replaced by Sergio Gomez late.
Asked about the substitution after the match, Guardiola said the England defender – who had played in midfield at club level – felt tension in an unspecified area.
He did not elaborate further, however, simply saying that there was no need to take risks and that he hopes Stones will be back soon.
“John felt tight, he had nothing, we didn’t want to take any risks, so hopefully he can recover as soon as possible,” Guardiola said.
Stones should be fit for the Brentford game on Sunday, but Guardiola may want to exercise extreme caution with two huge finals to come.
Phil Foden
Foden is a similar story to Stones, having started alongside Erling Haaland and Riyad Mahrez in attack against Brighton.
The England playmaker scored City’s only goal of an entertaining game after 25 minutes, later canceled out by Julio Enciso’s incredible effort.
However, he was taken off in favor of Cole Palmer just six minutes after half-time with a kick to the leg.
Guardiola explained: “Phil had a knock in the first half, leg problems. The doctor told me it was dangerous and we took no risk.
City will assess Foden’s problem and he’s another player who may well not feature against Brentford just in case, even if he proves his fitness.
Jack Grealish and Phil Foden both battle blows as Manchester City’s huge finals loom
/ ReutersJack Greish
Grealish was a surprise absentee from City’s squad to face Brighton, with Guardiola lamenting a number of new injuries which he also hinted at in his pre-match press conference.
“No, they’re not fit,” the Spaniard said of his new squad of injured players. “I don’t know what happened, but after winning the Premier League a lot of players got injured – three, four, five, all not fit – they’re not fit.
“No Aymeric, Manuel, no Ruben, no Grealish. We’ll see how they recover in the next few days.
Grealish surely won’t be risked against Brentford if he’s not fully fit, making a return to the FA Cup final most likely at this stage.
Ruben Dias
As with Grealish, Guardiola didn’t give any further details on the injury which is currently bothering centre-back Dias.
He will be watched in the coming days and will likely only play a role against Brentford if there is no risk.
Guardiola went with Stones and Rodri as centre-back against Brighton, with Laporte and Akanji also absent.
Aymeric Laporte
Laporte was another of four new injuries Guardiola referenced on Wednesday night.
The Spaniard started against Chelsea on Sunday but is now battling to be fit to face Brentford.
Manuel Akanji
Akanji has been a regular part of City’s defense since joining Borussia Dortmund on a five-year deal last summer.
The Swiss international started alongside Laporte in central defense for the win over Chelsea, but was absent against Brighton.
Just like Grealish, Dias and Laporte, Guardiola didn’t give any specific details about his injury. If he doesn’t play against Brentford, he hopes to come back against United or Inter.
Nathan Ake
City’s only absentee before this week was Ake, who hasn’t played since the 2-1 win over relegation-threatened Leeds on May 6 after aggravating a hamstring injury.
Guardiola does not want to rush the return of the versatile Dutch defender, who has very little chance of playing against Brentford on Sunday. However, he could still play a part in the massive finals to come.
“He’s better. He’s in the final stages (of his recovery),” Guardiola said before facing Brighton.
“We have to be careful after a second injury. In case we need him for United or Inter.
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