Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images.
Man City are suffering from a mini-injury crisis with several key players currently ruled out.
Pep Guardiola was struggling with injuries and was without six first-team players for Wednesday night’s EFL Cup tie against Tottenham.
And in addition to losing the tie 2-1, the Cityzens’ problems piled up after two more players were sent off.
Manuel Akanji suffers a setback in the warm-up
Defender Manuel Akanji was sidelined with a calf problem in the warm-up of the game.
The Swiss international was ready for Guardiola but was unable to take the kick-off after injuring his leg. After physios decided he could not continue, the 29-year-old was replaced in City’s starting line-up by Portuguese centre-back Rubén Dias.
“If those guys don’t come back as quickly as possible, we’re going to struggle because we can’t stay with just 14 or 15 players, so we need players to come back, but it is what it is.” Guardiola said after the game.
“Hopefully this can happen after the international break.”
Possible return date: November
Savinho is the latest to be left out
The Brazilian, who joined the Premier League champions in the summer, has already missed one game this season through injury. The young forward injured his knee last month and was ruled out for a total of 17 days.
And after going down in the 63rd minute against Tottenham after hitting his ankle after making a run into the Tottenham penalty area, Savinho is the latest Man City player to go down.
In tears and consoled by team-mates, the 20-year-old was stretchered off the pitch before being replaced by the younger Jacob Wright.
The extent of Savinho’s injury is not yet known, but Guardiola is “hopeful” the winger’s problem is not too serious and he can return to action quickly.
“He had a hit in the 18-yard box, potential penalty, and we’ll see what happened tomorrow.” the spanish he told reporters.
“We have to see if it’s just a blow or something else, because it was in the bone. We hope it’s nothing dangerous, but we’ll see.”
Possible return date: unknown
Rodri is recovering well but won’t be back until 2025
Winner of this year’s Ballon d’Orand the first Man City player to lift the prestigious award, Rodri, is undoubtedly the club’s most missed star.
Injuring his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) against Arsenal in last month’s 2-2 draw at the Etihad, the Spain midfielder is not expected to return until the start of next season.
Although it is a serious injury, the 28-year-old, who recently underwent knee surgery, appears to be on the mend.
Asked how his recovery is going by former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba at Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, Rodri said: “I’m just trying to take care of myself after my injury, spend time with my family, get some rest.
“I will celebrate with the people who love me and those who were with me in the bad times.”
The midfielder’s absence is proving difficult to cope with. Man City have conceded at least one goal in three of their last four Premier League games, including a 3-2 win at Fulham.
Although City have been linked with the signing of a new defensive midfielder in January to help cover for the injured Rodri, Guardiola has yet to confirm the club’s intention to sign a new player in mid-season.
Possible return date: Summer 2025
Other Man City injury news
Oscar Bob
The young forward was enjoying an impressive pre-season before suffering an unfortunate leg injury. He has been ruled out for the first few months of the season and is not expected to return until the New Year.
Possible return date: early 2025
Jack Grealish
The England winger has missed City’s last three games and is not expected to return any time soon.
Possible return date: unknown
Jeremy Doku
He is likely to be out longer than Grealish, with fellow winger Jeremy Doku also not expected to feature in any of City’s upcoming games.
Possible return date: unknown
Kevin De Bruyne
Forced off during City’s first Champions League game of the season against Inter Milan in September, the Belgium international has been one of the team’s longest absentees. It is unknown when he might return.
Possible return date: unknown
Kyle Walker
Suffering a knee injury while on international duty with England recently, the experienced full-back is ruled out for City’s upcoming games with Rico Lewis continuing in place of the 33-year-old.
Possible return date: unknown
