by Manchester City are in the middle of a crisis as another big week for the club approaches.
For the first time in his storied managerial career, Pep Guardiola has lost five matches in a row and Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at home to Tottenham was perhaps his worst yet.
City looked way off the pace ahead of a huge game against Liverpool on Sunday, while they also have the small matter of a Champions League tie against Feyenoord to deal with during the week.
The champions are starting to look somewhat bland at the moment and have not been helped by constant injuries throughout the campaign so far.
With that in mind, here’s a look at Manchester City’s latest injuries…
Jeremy Doku
Jeremy Doku has missed the last two games with a quad injury, having also missed Belgium’s matches against Italy and Israel during the international break.
Earlier this month, Guardiola said: “He has muscle problems in his quadriceps. He doesn’t feel well, he can’t run at full speed.
While City confirmed the winger had trained ahead of the Spurs game, he did not play and his return date remains uncertain.
Doku trained again on Monday and could therefore probably play against Feyenoord or Liverpool this week.
Potential return date: November 26 against Feyenoord, or December 1 against Liverpool
Rubén Dias
Key defender Ruben Dias has not played since the Carabao Cup defeat to Spurs due to a calf injury, but Guardiola confirmed there was hope the Portugal international would return reasonably soon.
Like Doku, he practiced on Monday and is expected to be involved at some point this week.
Potential return date: November 26 against Feyenoord, or December 1 against Liverpool
John Stones
An injury-interrupted season continued for John Stones in the defeat to Spurs, his first appearance since the Carabao Cup defeat in north London last month.
The England international lasted just 45 minutes on Saturday and was replaced at half-time by Nathan Ake.
Potential return date: Unknown
Mateo Kovacic
Mateo Kovacic had played a key role in City’s midfield this season in Rodri’s absence, but was ruled out for a month while playing for Croatia during the international break.
“It will take some time, a few weeks or a month,” Guardiola said.
Potential return date: December 2024
Oscar Bob
Oscar Bobb had been tipped to play an important role for City this season but suffered a leg injury during pre-season and is not expected to return until January or February.
“I think in January or February he will be ready,” Guardiola revealed in October.
Potential return date: January or February 2025
Rodri
Rodri underwent surgery on a serious knee injury in September and is not expected to play again this season.
Yet the midfielder recently hinted he would be looking to return by this summer’s Club World Cup.
Potential return date: Summer 2025
