According to the latest Manchester City injury news update, the English Premier League champions are hoping to see if midfielder Nico Gonzalez can return to face Manchester United with seven players already ruled out due to injuries. The midfielder missed the Carabao Cup win at Newcastle after a knock in the Brighton draw and may not recover in time.
Speaking before the game, Pep Guardiola said, “He’s injured. He didn’t recover well, he made an effort but it’s a step back,” Nico O’Reilly started in his absence against Newcastle, with Rodri coming off the bench; the latter will be lined up to start at Old Trafford if he is fit.
City got a positive boost at Newcastle with the return of Rayan Ait-Nouri from the Africa Cup of Nations, but Guardiola will still be missing seven players. Omar Marmoush is still at the AFCON for Egypt’s third-place play-off and there are six injuries to contend with.
The Manchester side is missing three centre-backs, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones with none expected to return soon. Oscar Bobb, Savinho, and Mateo Kovacic are also long-term absentees, although with the signing of Antoine Semenyo they’ve been able to add to their attacking options and Youngster Max Alleyne will be available as an option in defence.
Gvardiol was ruled out after suffering a calf injury, John Stones is dealing with a hamstring issue, and Dias is expected to be out with a hamstring injury for another month.
Midfielder Mateo Kovacic is also dealing with an ankle injury, which means he won’t be available for Guardiola, while Oscar Bobb will also miss the Man United game, because of a hamstring injury.
Despite the absences, City will head to Old Trafford as favourites, and Guardiola’s side would want a win as they continue chasing Arsenal in the title race.
