Frank Christian
As Manchester City gears up to face Fulham at the Etihad this Saturday, they are confronted with a growing number of injuries.
Following their impressive 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, the Citizens are concerned that these injuries might hinder their Premier League progress.
Absences of De Bruyne, Rodri, and Ake for Fulham Match
Rodri, a key midfielder, is out for the entirety of the 2024-25 season due to a severe knee injury sustained last month. His absence creates a notable void in City’s midfield, where his defensive capabilities have been pivotal. With Rodri out long-term, Pep Guardiola faces challenges in adjusting his tactics.
Kevin De Bruyne has missed the last four matches because of a groin injury. Fans were optimistic for a swift return, but he is unlikely to play until after the international break, potentially rejoining the squad on October 20 against Wolves. De Bruyne’s lack of presence has been evident in City’s offensive play, and the team will need to leverage its depth to continue scoring.
Nathan Ake, who is recovering from a muscle injury, is also unavailable for the Fulham game. Similar to De Bruyne, Ake is expected to return post-international break. His defensive versatility will be missed, putting additional pressure on the remaining defenders.
Oscar Bobb’s Extended Recovery Journey
In addition to these significant absences, young talent Oscar Bobb is sidelined with a leg fracture sustained during training in August. His return is projected for the end of the year, further depleting the squad’s depth.
Despite these challenges, City aims to maintain their title aspirations against Fulham. With several star players out, Pep Guardiola will rely on his squad to step up and demonstrate that the team can perform well even without key contributors.
