Manchester City are gearing up for a crucial Premier League showdown against Leicester City this Sunday, with a number of key players facing fitness battles ahead of the match.
The defending champions have found themselves in a tough spot this season, sitting in seventh place and struggling to close the 14-point gap to league leaders Liverpool. As they fight to secure a Champions League spot, the team faces the added challenge of dealing with multiple injuries.
Here’s the latest injury news from the City camp ahead of their clash with Leicester.
Jack Grealish
- Status: Major doubt
- Injury: Muscle issue
- Possible return date: December 29 (vs Leicester City)
Jack Grealish picked up a muscle injury during training and missed the Boxing Day match against Everton. His participation in the Leicester City game remains uncertain, as Pep Guardiola has yet to confirm whether Grealish will be fit in time.
Kyle Walker
- Status: Major doubt
- Injury: Illness (flu)
- Possible return date: December 29 (vs Leicester City)
Kyle Walker was absent from the squad against Everton due to illness, but it’s expected that the flu won’t keep him sidelined for long. However, his availability for Sunday’s game against Leicester is still uncertain.
Nathan Ake
- Status: Minor doubt
- Injury: Fatigue
- Possible return date: December 29 (vs Leicester City)
Nathan Ake was forced off early in the Everton match due to fatigue, but it doesn’t appear to be a serious issue. He is expected to recover in time for the Leicester clash.
Rodri
- Status: Out
- Injury: Knee (ACL)
- Possible return date: Unknown
Rodri has been out since September with a severe ACL injury. Guardiola has not ruled out a return before the end of the season, but it is still months before he can be expected back on the pitch.
Oscar Bobb
- Status: Out
- Injury: Leg fracture
- Possible return date: February 2 (vs Arsenal)
Oscar Bobb has been sidelined since October with a leg fracture. Guardiola had hoped for an early 2024 return, but Bobb will miss the Leicester City game and is now targeting a February comeback.
Ruben Dias
- Status: Out
- Injury: Muscle
- Possible return date: January 11 (vs Salford City)
Ruben Dias suffered a muscle injury in the Manchester Derby and will miss the Leicester game. Guardiola confirmed Dias will need around three to four weeks to recover, with his next appearance likely to be against Salford City in January.
John Stones
- Status: Major doubt
- Injury: Ankle
- Possible return date: December 29 (vs Leicester City)
John Stones is a major doubt for Sunday’s game after picking up an ankle injury against Aston Villa. He missed the Everton match and, despite dealing with similar injuries earlier this season, his availability for Leicester is still unclear.
Matheus Nunes
- Status: Major doubt
- Injury: Knock
- Possible return date: December 29 (vs Leicester City)
Matheus Nunes has been struggling with a knock and missed the Everton match as well as the previous game against Aston Villa. He’s racing to regain fitness ahead of the Leicester City clash.
Ederson
- Status: Major doubt
- Injury: Knock
- Possible return date: December 29 (vs Leicester City)
Ederson was a late withdrawal from the Everton match due to a knock. Guardiola has indicated that the goalkeeper wasn’t feeling right after the injury, and his condition remains uncertain ahead of the Leicester clash.
KEEP IN MIND:
Manchester City’s injury list continues to be a concern ahead of their important match against Leicester City. With several key players like Grealish, Walker, and Stones facing race-against-time recovery efforts, Guardiola will be hoping for a swift turnaround to secure vital points in their pursuit of a Champions League spot.
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