“Spurs were fortunate enough”- Man City Pep Guardiola provides pessimistic update on key trio following Tottenham defeat.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has announced that Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jack Grealish will not be back in action before the November international break.
City faced a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, leading to their elimination from the EFL Cup in the fourth round. To add to their woes, Manuel Akanji and Savinho both sustained injuries during the match.
Akanji was unable to start due to a calf issue that occurred during the warm-up, while Savinho had to be carried off on a stretcher shortly after the hour mark. Guardiola stated after the game that he didn’t want to take any risks with Akanji and confirmed that Savinho would require assessment on Thursday.
Guardiola Updates on Walker, Grealish, and De Bruyne
In addition to discussing Akanji and Savinho’s injuries, Guardiola provided a grim update on Walker, Grealish, and De Bruyne. He expressed that none of the trio are expected to return before the international break.
After the defeat to Spurs, Guardiola told reporters, “Our captain (Walker) is injured. I don’t think he or Kevin will be back until after the international break, and the same goes for Jack Grealish.”
Walker has missed the last four matches due to a knee injury sustained while on international duty earlier this month. De Bruyne is dealing with a groin issue, while Grealish has been sidelined for the past three games.
Guardiola Reflects on Injury Crisis
City are also without Jeremy Doku and Oscar Bobb, and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri will miss the rest of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Guardiola admitted that this is the worst injury crisis he has faced during his time at City, stating he has only “13 outfield players” available.
He said, “In nine years, I have never experienced a situation with so many injuries for various reasons. However, when we face difficulties, the players step up more than ever in their efforts. We have limited recovery time this week.”
Guardiola’s injury-riddled squad will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their Premier League match against Bournemouth on Saturday. Following that, they will face Sporting Lisbon and Brighton & Hove Albion in their final fixtures before the international break.
