Manchester City headed into the first international break of the year on the back of a disappointing result and with a few injury concerns.
Despite leading twice, Pep Guardiola’s side were held to a 2-2 draw by Brighton last time out and now sit just a point ahead of Newcastle and the Seagulls in sixth and seventh respectively in the Premier League table.
The good news for Man City is a fifth-place finish could be enough to qualify for next season’s Champions League. However, the race is hotting up towards the business end of the campaign.
Not many would have predicted a battle for Champions League qualification as City’s fate at this stage of the season, but injuries have certainly taken its toll on Guardiola’s squad.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest Manchester City injury news…
Bernardo Silva
The substitute was substituted in Man City’s draw with Brighton as Bernardo Silva was replaced by Phil Foden around 20 minutes after taking the place of Savinho.
Following the game, Guardiola revealed he noticed Silva “couldn’t move properly” and did not want to take a risk over any potential injury.
"I was seeing Bernardo couldn't walk properly,” he said. “Don't take a risk."
Silva featured for Portugal during the international break, so he should be available for selection when Man City return to action against Bournemouth in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday.
Potential return date: Unknown
Ederson
Goalkeeper Ederson missed the draw against Brighton with what Guardiola has confirmed his an abdominal injury.
Though Ederson was forced to withdraw from the Brazil squad for their World Cup qualification double header, his issue is not thought to be serious.
"He had something abdominal,” said the City boss.
“Niggles. he had a problem at Forest. I hope [he will be back after international break]."
Potential return date: April 2025
Oscar Bobb
There was huge excitement about winger Oscar Bobb before the season started, having impressed towards the back end of last year as well as in pre-season.
However, the Norway international broke his leg before the campaign got underway and has not featured since.
Bobb is back in training though, so the hope will be that he can return before the end of the season.
"He's training now regularly, he feels really, really better," said Guardiola.
"He played a friendly game with the second team to see how, because he has to be on the pitch in the training sessions.”
Potential return date: April/May 2025
Manuel Akanji
Defender Manuel Akanji underwent surgery on a muscle injury sustained against Real Madrid in February, which was expected to rule him out for around two months.
Potential return date: May 2025
John Stones
John Stones has endured a nightmare season on the injury front and was forced off against Real Madrid with a thigh problem.
His return date remains unclear, though he is not thought to require surgery.
“He can be recovered during eight to 10 weeks without surgery,” said Guardiola in February.
Potential return date: Unknown
Nathan Ake
Fellow defender Nathan Ake required surgery on a fractured foot earlier this month and was expected to miss between 10 to 11 weeks.
It remains to be seen if he will feature for City during the Club World Cup at the end of the season.
Potential return date: Unknown
Rodri
Rodri could return for Man City this season after undergoing knee surgery back in September.
The Spanish international has resumed at least some training but is unlikely to be rushed back into action, given the severity of his ACL injury.
"I could not expect before (him to return) but maybe before the end of the season - not even the (Club) World Cup - in the Premier League, maybe, it's going to happen,” said Guardiola.
Potential return date: Unknown
