Football fans are in for an exciting showdown as Manchester City prepares to host arch-rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.
The Cityzens are eager for a victory, sitting just one point behind table-toppers Liverpool. With so much on the line, the team needs all hands on deck for this crucial fixture. However, it appears they may have to face the challenge without some key players.
During his press conference, Pep Guardiola provided a significant update on Manchester City’s injury situation. Despite his confidence in the team’s abilities, Guardiola acknowledged that they might have to navigate the game without a few key names.
One such player is winger Jack Grealish, who sustained a groin injury during the team’s recent 6-2 victory over Luton in the FA Cup. Guardiola confirmed that Grealish will be unavailable for the match against United, with no clear timeline for his return.
Additionally, there are concerns that he could miss upcoming international fixtures in the coming months.
The Spaniard stated, “He has to recover well to use him as much as possible. I didn’t speak to Gareth [Southgate].”
While the injury to Jack Grealish poses a challenge for the Cityzens, the team boasts several players who can fill his position. However, there are concerns surrounding Kevin De Bruyne’s fitness, despite his impressive performance against Luton.
Reports indicate that De Bruyne is still not at full fitness, even though he returned from a hamstring injury in February. Pep Guardiola and his management team must exercise caution as they navigate a demanding series of fixtures.
Although De Bruyne was available for the game against Luton, he was rested for subsequent matches against Everton and Brentford to ensure sufficient recovery time.
The upcoming clash against Manchester United will be a test of De Bruyne’s fitness, as both teams employ high-pressure tactics. Any setback for the Belgian midfielder could prove detrimental to City, especially with challenging fixtures against Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham on the horizon.
The question remains whether Guardiola will opt to play De Bruyne in consecutive matches in the coming weeks. Share your thoughts in the comments below.