Pep Guardiola faces 10-man injury and absentee list as Manchester City fixtures intensify

Manchester City now have a list of 10 names facing injury or absence following fresh developments during the weekend’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

The stalemate at the Etihad Stadium not only slowed City’s momentum in the Premier League title race but also added further strain to Pep Guardiola’s squad at a time when the fixture calendar is becoming increasingly unforgiving.

With domestic and European commitments accelerating, as well as cup competitions remaining on the agenda for the club, the margin for rotation within the squad has narrowed significantly.

Concerns were heightened by the manner in which Manchester City finished the Chelsea contest, with defensive stability once again coming under pressure. Guardiola has already been forced into careful load management in recent weeks, particularly following the return of key players such as Rodri and Jeremy Doku from longer-term layoffs.

The situation also follows a run of recent reports highlighting City’s growing physical toll, including enforced substitutions in previous matches and cautious handling of players returning from injury. And combined with international absences, the depth of Guardiola’s squad is now set to be tested more than at any other point this season.

Following the injuries to both Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol sustained in the draw against Chelsea on Sunday evening, Manchester City now have a list of 10 names nursing injuries or absent through international commitments.

Sidelined through injuries and expected to miss the midweek clash with Brighton & Hove Albion are Savinho, Oscar Bobb, John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, Kalvin Phillips, and Ruben Dias.

It remains to be seen whether Nico Gonzalez is fit to make a return to the matchday squad, having only been described as ‘not fully fit’ concerning his absence against Chelsea at the weekend.

Over at the ongoing African Cup of Nations, Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri remain absent from Manchester City duties as they continue to represent Egypt and Algeria respectively into the knockout stage of the competition.

For Pep Guardiola, the immediate focus will be on navigating the Brighton & Hove Albion fixture without exacerbating existing issues, particularly in defence where options are becoming increasingly limited and forcing the club to act by recalling Max Alleyne from his loan at Watford.

Academy involvement or tactical reshuffles are likely to again be required, as seen in recent weeks when Manchester City have adapted to similar pressures.

Looking further ahead, club medical staff will be working against the clock to recover key personnel before a demanding run that includes Premier League, domestic cup, and European fixtures.

With rivals maintaining pressure at the top end of the table, Manchester City’s ability to manage this injury list could prove decisive in shaping the remainder of their season.