Pep Guardiola has raised concerns about the fitness of his entire Manchester City squad, with several players struggling to remain fit amidst a growing injury crisis.
Details: Manchester City’s injury troubles show no sign of easing ahead of their trip to Selhurst Park.
Nathan Ake is out with a hamstring injury, Phil Foden remains sidelined with bronchitis, and Manuel Akanji’s fitness will be evaluated before the game after his substitution at halftime against Nottingham Forest.
Long-term absentees include John Stones, Rodri, Mateo Kovacic, and Oscar Bobb.
Guardiola’s latest comments suggest the fitness concerns aren’t limited to those on the injury list. During his praise of Jack Grealish, 29, for his central role against Nottingham Forest, Guardiola hinted that even fit players, including Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne, 32, are not at 100%.
Speaking candidly, Guardiola stated:
“All the players are struggling for the fitness condition right now. With the injured players and the players who are fit. That’s why it depends how they’re going to feel next game.”
The manager admitted he has had to abandon his usual rotation strategy, explaining:
“In the past, I rotated a lot. This season it’s because we don’t have it. We lost the two holding midfielders. Centre halves we didn’t have it. We had it back, and now we’re back again. It’s how you handle it, it’s an incredible challenge.”
If Akanji, 28, is deemed unfit, Guardiola will have only Ruben Dias, 27, as a senior center-back, with Dias already playing two full matches this week after returning from injury.
Citations & Quotes:
Guardiola on the squad’s overall fitness:
“That’s why it depends how they’re going to feel next game.”
On adapting to challenges this season:
“It’s how you handle it, it’s an incredible challenge.”
Keep in mind:
City’s squad depth is being tested like never before, with fitness concerns for even their available stars.
Ruben Dias will be under immense pressure to lead a patched-up defense against Crystal Palace.
Guardiola’s ability to adapt tactically to this crisis could be crucial to maintaining City’s title challenge.
