Manchester City fans have been rocked by an injury blow to Oscar Bobb.
The 21-year-old will be out for a period of time, having reportedly suffered a leg fracture in training.
After shining in pre-season, and then catching the eye against Manchester United in the Community Shield, Bobb will now have to spend some time on the sidelines.
Supposedly, Manchester City are hoping that he will be back before the end of 2024. But the full extent of the damage has not yet been determined.
It is a cruel blow for Bobb, who looked all set to kick on this season and enjoy a greater role in the first-team.
He will have to wait for his chance, but there is one man who may now be in line for more opportunities than first expected.
Oscar Bobb injury may open the door for Man City newbie Savinho
City have only signed one player so far this summer, and that was Savinho from Troyes for £33 million last month.
The Brazilian was superb last season on loan at Girona, helping them to finish third in La Liga and secure Champions League football.
His transfer was expected, as an agreement was reached earlier this year.
Savinho made his City debut last weekend against United in the Community Shield – and it was a lively showing from the South American, who made some good carries. He also scored his penalty in the shootout.
The injury to Bobb, plus the sale of Julian Alvarez, potentially now opens the door for Savinho.
He is capable of playing on both wings. Being left-footed, he has no problems playing from the right and cutting inside. Jeremy Doku prefers to play from the left side, so Savinho – who’s already been branded ‘devastating’ in one-vs-one scenarios by the manager – might just be in line for some decent minutes while Bobb is out of the picture.
Pep could be tempted by Bernardo
- Who is Savinho? The ‘special’ starlet who tore up La Liga and is Man City’s first transfer of the summer
Savinho is bound to benefit from this injury to Bobb. But whether he becomes an actual starter initially is questionable.
That is because we know that Bernardo Silva is capable of playing from that right side.
Last season, the 30-year-old was not quite as good as he has been in that position in the past. But he will certainly be considered to play there now by Pep Guardiola.
But Pep also loves Bernardo in the middle with Rodri, as they provide a high level of control together, not to mention defensive work-rate – two things the manager is obsessed with.
Savinho could be a temptation to play wide right, but it could very much hinge on where he wants Bernardo.
