Manchester City fans have been reacting to some “really good news” that emerged from the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday regarding one of their key players.
Pep Guardiola has been hit with injuries throughout the start of the 2025/26 campaign, with Abdukodir Khusanov the latest to pick up a fitness issue at City following their 1-1 draw with Arsenal at the weekend.
The problems have not had a major impact on the Manchester club so far, compared to what they experienced last time around, and the good news for fans of the Premier League giants is that they are slowly getting some of their stars back.
John Stones returned to action on Sunday, and it has now emerged out of the Etihad Stadium that Mateo Kovacic has returned to training.
- READ MORE: Man City’s Rodri told there is a midfielder currently better than him in the Premier League
Man City fans are very happy with the return of Mateo Kovacic
Guardiola confirmed last week that Kovacic was close to a return to training, and pictures emerged on Tuesday of the Croatian star back among his Man City teammates.
The 31-year-old has been out of action since the end of last season after the Man City star required surgery on a heel injury, which has caused him to miss every game since the FA Cup final.
Kovacic stepped up at times towards the end of last season for Guardiola, and fans have been reacting to the news of his return by asking for a midfield trio of the Croatia international, Rodri, and Tijjani Reijnders.
One Man City fan stated on X (formerly known as Twitter): “I miss him, thanks for trying ur best when Rodri was injured….. now Rodri, Tijjani, and Kovacic will hold the midfield tight.”
A second City supporter added: “Him, Tijjani and Rodri would actually cook in that midfield, given a chance in midfield in some games.”
A final Man City fan also commented with: “He had strong form towards the end of last season if anyone remembers. He was scoring for fun. Now we need that form back. Playing Rodri, Reijnders and Kovacic midfield in big games can be awesome.”
It will be interesting to see if Guardiola adopts that midfield trio once Kovacic is available for selection again or if the Spaniard decides to stick with his current plans.
Manchester City’s injury list
Having returned to training, Kovacic will be expected to be back in action soon, and the midfielder is not the only star close to a return.
Rayan Ait-Nouri could play for Man City before the international break, with the Algerian having an expected return date of 27 September, according to Premier Injuries, while Erling Haaland’s issue is not serious, despite the striker set to miss the Huddersfield match on Wednesday night.
Long-term injuries for Guardiola include Rayan Cherki being out until November, Omar Marmoush being unavailable with a knee issue until October, and Kalvin Phillips’ return to action remaining unknown.
