Frank Christian
Pep Guardiola has announced that key players Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker will not be available for Manchester City’s upcoming UEFA Champions League match this week.
City will face Sparta Prague on October 23, coming off a last-minute 2-1 victory over Wolves in the Premier League. However, they will miss two of their vital players.
Belgian midfielder De Bruyne has been sidelined for the last six matches due to an injury he sustained during a Champions League match against Inter Milan on September 18.
Although he has started light training, Guardiola confirmed he will not play this week.
Walker returned from international duties with a minor injury and did not participate in the match against Wolves, with Rico Lewis stepping in for him.
“I don’t think they will be ready [for midweek]. We have a few days for training, but I don’t think so,” Guardiola stated after the game against Wolves.
Additionally, Oscar Bobb and Rodri Hernandez are long-term injury concerns, with Rodri expected to miss the rest of the season due to knee surgery.
Despite the quick turnaround, Guardiola is not likely to make significant changes to his lineup, with Lewis expected to remain, and Jack Grealish and Phil Foden potentially returning to the squad.
This season, City has yet to concede a goal in European competition, following their draw with Inter and a 4-0 triumph over Slovan Bratislava earlier this month.
