Pep Guardiola has shared that two Manchester City players will miss out on Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth – but they are nearing a return
Manchester City are looking to build up another nice run of victories after returning to winning ways against Brentford on Tuesday.
Pep Guardiola’s side will be back on their travels after two home matches to take on Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Though there has been a positive update on Kevin De Bruyne, who will likely make the trip to the south coast after sitting out Tuesday’s game, two more players will remain sidelined.
Pep Guardiola provides team news update ahead of Bournemouth
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Guardiola revealed that Jack Grealish and Josko Gvardiol are still unavailable.
He said: “I think this week no, but it’s closer. I don’t know exactly I didn’t speak to the doctors but they are closer.”
The sooner they are back the better
Gvardiol has been out of action since the 2-0 win over Everton in early February.
It was revealed the defender had suffered minor ankle ligament damage that has kept him out of action since.
Grealish, meanwhile, had to be taken off early into his first start in a month against FC Copenhagen last week.
The winger looked visibly upset as he left the field but the muscle injury isn’t as bad as initially feared.
Both are expected to be back in action before too long and the sooner the better.
Manuel Akanji has been filling in admirably at left-back in Gvardiol’s absence, while Nathan Ake is capable too, but City have lacked the pace of the Croatian on the flank.
Grealish may not have started in the Premier League yet in 2024 but he showed in his 20 minutes against Copenhagen why he is so valuable.
City completely controlled the opening stages but lost their dominance on the ball when Grealish departed, as his composure in keeping possession was sorely missed.
With big games on the horizon, hopefully, they will be back sooner rather than later.
