Manchester City have had an injury-hit start to the new season and here is the latest on their four sidelined stars.
It’s been a tough start to the 2024/25 campaign for Manchester City, with four important players already succumbing to lengthy layoffs.
Thankfully, Pep Guardiola’s side came through Tuesday’s Champions League scrap with Slovan Bratislava unscathed.
City cruised the bout 4-0 to get their first victory in the new format and will now look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday when they take on Fulham after two draws.
Here’s the latest City injury news ahead of the match.
Kevin De Bruyne
City have been without star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne since he was forced off the field at half-time of the goalless draw with Inter with a thigh issue.
The injury wasn’t thought to be too serious but it’s expected to keep the Belgian sidelined until after the international break.
Latest update: Guardiola said on October 4: “Tomorrow he’s not ready.”
When asked why De Bruyne is joining up with Belgium in November as well as October, he added: “How can he go [with Belgium] when he didn’t play one game [for City since injury]? I never understood that.
“But, anyway. He cannot play with us, he cannot play with Belgium.
“He didn’t say to me, I don’t know when he’s going to retire for the national team from Belgium. He didn’t say that, to me. I don’t know what’s in the mind of Kevin.
“But for those games, he’s injured, he’s not available.”
Potential return date: October 20, vs Wolves
Rodri
City suffered perhaps the worst blow to their hopes of another league title and Champions League triumph when Rodri suffered a serious knee injury against Arsenal.
Tests confirmed the Spaniard had torn his ACL and also suffered meniscus damage, which will keep him on the sidelines for at least nine months.
Latest update: City said on September 25: “Manchester City FC can confirm that Rodri has suffered a ligament injury to his right knee.
“The midfielder travelled to Spain to seek specialist consultation this week, following initial tests in Manchester.
“Assessment remains ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the injury and expected prognosis.”
Guardiola said on September 27: “Good surgery this morning, ACL and some meniscus.
“So next season he will be here. This season is over. Yeah, unfortunately, he got the worst but it is what it is. At this level it happens, we’re here to support his recovery step by step and move forward.”
Potential return date: June 2025
Nathan Ake
As has become a trend, Nathan Ake went away on international duty and picked up an injury while playing for his country.
The defender pulled his hamstring in the Netherlands’ draw with Germany and won’t be back until after the next international break.
Latest update: Guardiola said on September 13: “Injured. I think it will be until the next international break.
“We are unlucky with Nathan in the international team, every time he goes there he comes back injured.”
Potential return date: October 20 vs Wolves
Oscar Bobb
Oscar Bobb was City’s first causality of the season, well his injury occurred before the season actually began.
The versatile midfielder put in a great display in the Community Shield and looked set for a regular spot in the side this season but suffered a fractured leg in training before the opening league match. He won’t be back until December.
Latest update: Guardiola said on August 16: “It was in the training session. Unfortunately, he had a big impact and got injured.
“He is having surgery this afternoon. Hopefully, it will go well, and he will be back in 3-4 months.”
Potential return date: December 4
