Pep Guardiola gives update on Ilkay Gündogan after being subbed-off in win over Wolves
Pep Guardiola gives update on Ilkay Gündogan after being subbed-off in win over Wolves
Gündogan still struggling
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola gave an update on key central midfielder Ilkay Gündogan after the German international was removed early in the second half against Wolves at the Etihad Stadium during Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
The 31-year-old Gelsenkirchen-native remains a leading light in the heart of the Man City engine room this season, having started eleven out of a possible thirteen fixtures he was fit for in the Premier League, but Guardiola’s comments in his post-match interview paint a clear picture of a player still struggling.
“Gündogan is struggling a lot with his back and he has not performed well in the last two games. We must reflect what to do to recover him.” Note: quotes from Manchester Evening News writer Simon Bajkowski
Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan has to leave the pitch with an injury before being substituted during the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Picture date: Saturday February 13, 2021. (Photo by Rui Vieira/PA Images via Getty Images)
Gündogan has already missed multiple fixtures this season due to a hamstring problem, and though City maintains one of the most gifted overall squads in England, additional absences will strip the side of a valuable veteran figure on the pitch.
Man City continue to set the tone
Manchester City can thank Raheem Sterling for his effort from the penalty spot as the Citizens overcame a stubborn Wolves outfit under Bruno Lage to earn a 1-0 win at the Etihad.
64. GET IN RAHEEM!!
🔵 1-0 🐺 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/Q85MkX3W5p
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 11, 2021
It was the club’s sixth-straight win as they kick into next gear at the right time in a difficult December period, putting added pressure on both Liverpool and Chelsea to keep pace for the sprint for top spot in the English top flight.
At the time of writing, both the Reds and the Blues are level with Leeds United and Aston Villa respectively; two results that would extend Guardiola’s lead at the top to three points ahead of Jürgen Klopp’s troops.
