image credit: Justin Setterfield/Getty ImagesManchester City's Injury Woes Deepen Ahead of International Break
"Pep Guardiola's Manchester City faces increasing injury woes as key players Matheus Nunes and Manuel Akanji withdraw from international duty, leaving the squad critically thin ahead of a challenging schedule."
The injury worries for Manchester City have escalated as two additional players have pulled out of international duty, adding to the difficulties confronting Pep Guardiola’s team at a moment when the break was supposed to provide a much-needed relief. The situation could not be more unfavorable, as City is already burdened by multiple injuries to crucial players.
This recent blow adds both the in-form midfielder Matheus Nunes and the crucial defender Manuel Akanji to the club’s growing injury list. Nunes, who has smoothly adapted to a winger position, was deemed unfit by Portugal's medical staff owing to an injury acquired during City's latest matches.
As a result, Bernardo Silva is now the only Manchester City player in the Portugal national team. At the same time, Switzerland has announced Akanji's exit from their lineup due to an adductor strain, which is a setback for Guardiola, who had already voiced worries about the player's fitness during training on Friday.
These most recent injuries add to an already lengthy list. Key defenders John Stones, Ruben Dias, and Nathan Ake had previously withdrawn from their national teams, while City continues to grapple with issues regarding Jack Grealish's fitness with the England squad.
Guardiola suggested that Grealish, who was absent from City’s game against Brighton, could also be facing a spell on the sidelines, heightening the tensions between the club and the England team regarding the winger’s fitness. Furthermore, the adaptable Rodri and emerging talent Oscar Bobb are still unavailable, while experienced players Kyle Walker and playmaker Kevin De Bruyne have yet to regain full fitness following their recent injuries.
Pep Guardiola had initially seen the international break as a chance for his team to mentally and physically regroup. However, with these recent setbacks, Manchester City now has only eight fully fit senior outfield players. This includes Erling Haaland, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, along with young talents like Rico Lewis, Savinho, and James McAtee. The dwindling squad raises critical concerns about how Guardiola will manage City’s demanding domestic and European fixtures once they resume play after the break.
