Manchester City faced significant injury challenges during their recent League Cup match against Tottenham, leading manager Pep Guardiola to express serious concerns about his squad’s depth. The team, already missing six key players, lost defender Manuel Akanji to a calf injury during the warmup. In the 63rd minute, forward Savinho was also forced to leave the field on a stretcher due to an apparent ankle injury. Additionally, defender Ruben Dias exited at halftime, with Guardiola admitting that he is “struggling” physically.
Guardiola highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that the team currently has only “13 players” available and is facing “real difficulties.” He noted that many of those who played in the match finished with physical issues, raising doubts about their recovery for upcoming fixtures. The manager lamented that this level of injury crisis has never occurred in his nine years at the club.
Among the absentees is midfielder Rodri, who will miss the entire season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in September. Oscar Bobb is also sidelined for an extended period following a leg fracture in August. Kevin de Bruyne, who had a lengthy recovery from surgery last season, is now dealing with a thigh injury, though his return timeline remains uncertain. Full-back Kyle Walker is out with a knee problem without a clear date for his comeback. Additionally, forwards Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish have missed recent matches due to injuries.
Guardiola’s squad management has been put to the test; he had just seven substitutes available in previous matches against Southampton and Sparta Prague, including two goalkeepers on one occasion. After the loss to Tottenham, Guardiola mentioned that only Erling Haaland and two goalkeepers were available for training.
Despite these setbacks, City remains at the top of the Premier League and has advanced to the quarter-finals of the League Cup while maintaining an unbeaten record in Europe. However, Guardiola warned that if injured players do not return soon, competing across multiple tournaments will become increasingly difficult. He emphasized that relying on such a limited number of fit players would pose significant challenges throughout the season.
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