Manchester City outline Ilkay Gundogan’s injury timescale
Manchester City outline Ilkay Gundogan’s injury timescale
Manchester City face tricky fixtures
It has not been plain sailing for Manchester City so far this campaign as they look to defend their Premier League title.
Falling to defeat against Tottenham Hotspur on the opening day of the season, they were also held to a 0-0 draw against Southampton, but have recovered to sit 2nd in the league after six games as those around them continue to drop points.
Their 1-0 victory over fellow title rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend underlined that they cannot be underestimated this season despite their failure to bring in a recognised striker over the summer window, and they will surely be there or thereabouts come May.
3️⃣ points
⚽️ @gabrieljesus9 goal
❌ A clean sheetWatch the best of the action ⬇️
🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/LJRQplfBD0
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 25, 2021
However, they have tricky fixtures ahead, facing Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League followed by a trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool before the international break commences.
City dealt Gundogan injury blow
And it appears as though they will have to make these trips without key midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who remains injured.
Speaking ahead of the clash with Paris Saint Germain, which will see Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi reunite, Guardiola confirmed that the German in the engine room will be out of action until after the upcoming international break.
PEP (on whether Ilkay is available) 💬 No. Until international break.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 27, 2021
Fortunately for Manchester City. they can call upon Bernardo Silva to play in central midfield, as he did to great effect against Chelsea.
John Stones is back in full training, but Ilkay Gundogan is out of the next two and will not feature before the international break. #MCFC #UCL
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) September 27, 2021
However, the lack of Gundogan for two massive clashes severely limits the amount of rotation that is possible for Guardiola as he looks to take six points from a possible six.