Manchester City is currently dealing with a wave of injuries affecting several of their star players, putting pressure on the team and its manager, Pep Guardiola, as they navigate a critical point in the season. Injuries have plagued City in recent weeks, leaving Guardiola with a depleted squad and a host of challenges on the pitch. This recent bout of injuries, which left six key first-team players sidelined for their EFL Cup match against Tottenham, has further compounded City’s troubles.
The Citizens faced Tottenham in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, hoping to advance in the competition. However, Guardiola’s men were unable to secure a win, suffering a 2-1 defeat, and were hit with additional setbacks as two more players left the pitch due to injuries. With each passing game, Guardiola’s squad becomes thinner, leaving City fans concerned about how these injuries will impact their Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
### Manuel Akanji Suffers Pre-Game Injury
Defender Manuel Akanji was the latest addition to City’s injury list, suffering a calf injury during the pre-game warm-up. Originally slated to start, the Switzerland international pulled up unexpectedly, causing concern among City’s medical staff. The injury meant that the 29-year-old was unable to play, forcing Guardiola to make an emergency lineup change just before kickoff. Portuguese center-back Ruben Dias took Akanji’s place in the starting eleven.
Akanji’s absence is yet another blow to City’s defense, already weakened by injuries to other key players. Guardiola voiced his concerns post-game, stressing the urgent need for players to return from injuries as quickly as possible. “If these guys don’t come back as quick as possible, we will struggle because we cannot sustain for long with just 14 or 15 players. We need the players to come back, but it is what it is,” Guardiola said, noting that he is hopeful Akanji and others might be ready for action following the international break in November.
### Savinho’s Injury Adds to Woes
Savinho, a young Brazilian forward who joined City in the summer, is another player to face injury troubles. Having already missed a game earlier this season, Savinho’s injury situation worsened in the Tottenham match, where he took a knock to his ankle in the 63rd minute. He had made a dangerous run into Tottenham’s penalty area when he went down, clutching his ankle. With visible pain on his face, he was stretchered off the field, leaving City fans anxious about his condition.
Guardiola is optimistic that Savinho’s injury isn’t serious, but until the club’s medical team provides a full assessment, his return date remains unknown. “He had a knock in the 18-yard box, a potential penalty, and we’ll see tomorrow what happened,” Guardiola explained. “Hopefully, it’s nothing dangerous, but we’ll see.” The uncertainty surrounding Savinho’s injury adds to City’s concerns about their offensive depth, especially with multiple wingers already sidelined.
### Rodri’s Long Road to Recovery
Rodri, City’s standout midfielder and recent Ballon d’Or winner, suffered a major ACL injury in the club’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal. This severe injury led to knee surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. His absence has been a huge loss for City, as he has been a vital cog in their midfield. City’s defensive struggles have become more pronounced in his absence, with the team conceding at least one goal in three of their last four Premier League matches.
Rodri, who is expected to return at the start of the next season, recently shared updates on his recovery during the Ballon d’Or ceremony. “I am just trying to take care of myself after my injury, spend time with my family, rest a little bit,” he said, adding that he’s grateful for the support of those around him during these tough times. While City has been linked with potential signings in the January transfer window to cover for Rodri, Guardiola has yet to confirm if they will bring in a replacement.
### Additional Injuries Straining City’s Lineup
The injury list doesn’t end there. Several other City players are dealing with ongoing injuries that have kept them out of action. Young striker Oscar Bobb, who had an impressive pre-season, is recovering from a leg injury that will likely keep him out until early 2025. Midfielder Jack Grealish has missed City’s last three games and remains uncertain for a return in the near future.
Fellow winger Jeremy Doku is another significant absence, leaving City without two key wide players. Both Doku and Grealish have been instrumental in adding depth to City’s attack, and without them, Guardiola’s offensive options are limited. The absence of these two wingers could be especially challenging as City faces a packed schedule with Premier League and Champions League commitments.
Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne, City’s long-serving midfielder, was forced off with a serious injury during their first Champions League match against Inter Milan in September. His return date remains unknown, casting doubt on whether he will be able to contribute this season. The absence of such a creative force in the midfield has disrupted City’s rhythm, as De Bruyne has been central to orchestrating their attack.
### Kyle Walker Sidelined with Knee Injury
Adding to Guardiola’s concerns, full-back Kyle Walker recently suffered a knee injury while on international duty with England. This injury has ruled him out of City’s upcoming games, leaving a gap in City’s defense that 19-year-old Rico Lewis has been tasked with filling. Walker’s experience and versatility make him a key asset, and City is hoping for his swift recovery as the team faces difficult fixtures in the weeks ahead.
### The Impact on City’s Season
Manchester City’s injury struggles highlight the fragility of even the most well-constructed squads. As City contends with these significant absences, Guardiola faces the challenge of keeping his squad competitive across multiple competitions. With injuries mounting, City’s management may need to reconsider their strategy in the January transfer window. While the club typically focuses on long-term investments rather than short-term fixes, this injury crisis could push them to bring in reinforcements.
As City heads toward the second half of the season, fans are eager to see how Guardiola navigates these challenges. City’s title aspirations remain intact, but if injuries continue to plague the squad, their quest for domestic and European success may be in jeopardy.