Manchester City is grappling with escalating injury woes as key players Matheus Nunes and Manuel Akanji withdraw from international duty, leaving manager Pep Guardiola to navigate a dwindling squad ahead of a challenging return to action.
Manchester City's injury woes have escalated as two additional players pull out of international duty, further complicating the challenges for Pep Guardiola's team when the break was supposed to provide some relief. The situation couldn't be more unfavorable, as City is already coping with numerous injuries to crucial players.
The recent development adds in-form midfielder Matheus Nunes and key defender Manuel Akanji to the club's long injury list. Nunes, who has adapted well to playing as a winger, was declared unfit by Portugal's medical staff due to an injury he picked up in City's recent matches.
As a result, Bernardo Silva remains the only representative for City in the Portugal squad. At the same time, Switzerland has disclosed Akanji's removal from their lineup due to an adductor strain, presenting a setback for Guardiola, who had already voiced worries regarding the player’s fitness during Friday’s training session.
These recent injuries add to an already extensive roster of absences. Key defenders John Stones, Ruben Dias, and Nathan Ake have previously withdrawn from their national squads, while the club continues to deal with issues regarding Jack Grealish’s fitness status with the England team.
Guardiola suggested that Grealish, who was absent for City’s game against Brighton, could also be out of action, complicating City’s situation with the England team regarding the winger’s condition. Furthermore, the adaptable Rodri and emerging talent Oscar Bobb are still not available, while veteran Kyle Walker and playmaker Kevin De Bruyne have yet to regain full fitness following their recent injuries.
Pep Guardiola initially viewed the international break as a chance for his team to recharge both mentally and physically. However, with the recent developments, City now has just 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 numbers pose critical questions regarding how Guardiola will handle the demanding domestic and European fixtures as the team resumes play after the break.
