Manchester City head into Tuesday’s Champions League game against Feyenoord with much to prove, following their shocking 4-0 defeat to Tottenham at the Etihad. That result, their fifth straight loss in all competitions, has exposed the strain injuries and absences have placed on Pep Guardiola’s squad. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the players City will be missing… and who might make a return.
What to Expect 🙂
Key Injury Updates
Rodri
- Age: 28 years old
- Status: Out
- Injury: ACL (Knee)
- Return Date: Unknown
City’s midfield lynchpin remains sidelined after sustaining a season-ending ACL injury. While he was honored with the Ballon d’Or pre-match on Saturday, his absence continues to be a defining factor in City’s struggles to maintain control in midfield.
Oscar Bobb
- Age: 21 years old
- Status: Out
- Injury: Leg fracture
- Return Date: January 4 (vs. West Ham United)
The young midfielder, highly rated for his potential, is still recovering from a serious leg injury. Guardiola hopes to reintegrate him into the squad early in the new year.
Ruben Dias
- Age: 27 years old
- Status: Out
- Injury: Calf
- Return Date: December 4 (vs. Nottingham Forest)
Dias, a defensive cornerstone, will not feature in this game or the Liverpool match next weekend. The Portuguese international’s absence has been sorely felt, particularly as City’s defense has struggled to cope without his leadership.
Jeremy Doku
- Age: 22 years old
- Status: Doubtful
- Injury: Thigh
- Return Date: November 26 (vs. Feyenoord)
Doku’s availability remains in doubt after a quadriceps injury ruled him out of the Spurs defeat. Guardiola is expected to make a late decision on the Belgian winger’s fitness for Tuesday.
Mateo Kovacic
- Age: 30 years old
- Status: Out
- Injury: Unspecified
- Return Date: December 21 (vs. Aston Villa)
Kovacic has been ruled out with an unspecified issue, adding to Guardiola’s growing midfield headaches. The Croatian is not expected back until just before the festive fixtures.
Suspensions
There are no suspensions affecting Manchester City for this fixture, allowing Guardiola to focus solely on managing his injury-hit squad.
With Feyenoord sitting just outside the qualification places in their group, this game provides Manchester City an opportunity to regain momentum. But with so many key players out, the question remains: can Guardiola find the solutions needed to reverse his team’s fortunes and keep their Champions League campaign on track?
