12 players could miss Tottenham vs Man City as Pep Guardiola makes final Erling Haaland decision
As the Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur approaches, there is a growing sense of anticipation, especially given the significant injury concerns facing both teams. The match is crucial for both sides, and while both have shown strong performances this season, their injury lists are casting a shadow over the potential outcomes. A dozen players are either doubtful or ruled out for the game, and it will be up to their respective managers, Pep Guardiola and Ange Postecoglou, to make the best tactical decisions and field the most competitive squad possible under these circumstances.
Manchester City, under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, has enjoyed a period of dominance in English football, with Guardiola constantly evolving his tactics and squad to stay ahead of the competition. However, this season has not been without its challenges, and injury concerns have started to mount for City as they prepare for the match against Tottenham.
One of the most notable absences in recent weeks has been Erling Haaland, the Norwegian striker who has become a key figure for Manchester City since his arrival. Haaland has had an excellent impact at City, scoring numerous goals and leading the charge for the team. However, a knee injury kept him out of action for their games against Liverpool and Real Madrid. Initially, Guardiola had hoped that Haaland would be fit for the upcoming match against Tottenham Hotspur. The striker had resumed training ahead of the weekend’s Premier League fixture, and Guardiola remained hopeful that he would make a quick recovery.
Haaland’s presence in the squad is crucial for City. He is not only a goal scorer but also provides a physical presence that defenders find difficult to handle. His ability to stretch defenses and finish with precision makes him a game-changer for City. Without him, the team has had to rely more on other players to step up, but Haaland’s unique attributes have been missed in recent matches. Guardiola, as always, is cautious when it comes to injuries, and the decision to include Haaland in the match against Tottenham will depend on his fitness in the final days leading up to the game.
Guardiola’s cautious approach is evident in his pre-match comments, where he stated that he would assess Haaland’s condition further after Tuesday’s training session. This reflects the importance Guardiola places on player fitness and the club’s long-term goals. While the match against Tottenham is critical, Guardiola knows that Haaland’s long-term health is essential for the rest of the season, including their upcoming challenges in both the Premier League and the Champions League. Haaland’s injury has kept him sidelined for crucial fixtures, but it is hoped that he will be able to return to action soon and give Manchester City the attacking firepower they need.
In addition to Haaland, another player who has been recovering from injury is Oscar Bobb. Bobb, a young talent with great potential, had been sidelined for some time due to a leg injury he sustained during pre-season. However, he has now resumed training, and Guardiola has expressed confidence that the player will be available soon. Bobb’s return adds depth to the squad, and his versatility can be valuable for City in various attacking roles. While he may not have the same immediate impact as Haaland, Bobb’s presence could still be an important asset for the team in the coming matches. Guardiola is known for giving opportunities to young players, and Bobb’s recovery represents a positive development for the club as they navigate this injury crisis.
On the defensive side, Manchester City has faced issues with injuries to key defenders. John Stones, a central figure in the City defense, suffered a thigh injury that initially raised concerns about the severity of the problem. However, it has now been confirmed that Stones does not require surgery, and the prognosis is better than initially feared. While this is a relief for Guardiola, Stones is still expected to be out for some time, with a return not likely until April at the earliest. Stones’ absence is significant, as he has been a vital part of the City defense over the years, known for his composure on the ball and his ability to read the game. His partnership with Ruben Dias in central defense has been a cornerstone of City’s defensive solidity, and his return will be eagerly anticipated.
Similarly, Manuel Akanji, another key central defender, has been out with an adductor muscle tear. Akanji’s injury has kept him sidelined, but there is hope that he will be back in action by April as well. Akanji has proven to be a reliable defender for City, offering both physicality and good technical skills. His absence leaves City somewhat vulnerable in the defensive third, and Guardiola will need to find solutions with the players available to him.
Rodri, one of the most important players in Guardiola’s tactical setup, is another major absentee for Manchester City. The Spanish midfielder has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to injury, which is a blow to City’s midfield depth. Rodri’s ability to control the tempo of the game and break up opposition attacks has made him a central figure in City’s system. His absence will be felt throughout the remainder of the campaign, and Guardiola will need to rely on other players to step up in the midfield.
The good news for City fans is that Rodri could return for the Club World Cup in mid-June, which offers hope for his recovery. However, the immediate focus will be on how Guardiola manages the midfield in Rodri’s absence, with players like Kalvin Phillips and Mateo Kovačić expected to play more prominent roles in the coming months.
While Manchester City faces its own injury challenges, Tottenham Hotspur also finds itself dealing with a number of key absences. Under manager Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham has shown flashes of promise this season, but they too have been hit by injuries that have affected their squad depth.
Ben Davies, a versatile defender who can play both as a left-back and center-back, is among those sidelined for Tottenham. Davies’ injury has left a hole in Tottenham’s defense, as he has been a reliable option for Postecoglou. Along with Davies, Cristian Romero, one of Tottenham’s most important defenders, is also unavailable for the match against City. Romero has been a mainstay in Tottenham’s defense, offering physicality, leadership, and tactical intelligence. His absence creates a significant void in the backline, and Postecoglou will need to rely on other defenders to step up in this crucial match
Micky van der Ven, another key defender for Tottenham, is also out for the match against Manchester City. The Dutch defender has shown promise in his first season with Spurs but will not be available to help shore up the defense. Additionally, Radu Dragusin is sidelined due to injury, further depleting Tottenham’s defensive options. The combination of these injuries means that Postecoglou will have to make adjustments to his defense, and the team’s ability to cope with the attacking threat of City will be put to the test.
In addition to their defensive injuries, Tottenham is also facing problems in the forward areas. Dominic Solanke and Richarlison are both unavailable due to injury and will not be available for the match against Manchester City. Richarlison, in particular, has been a key player for Tottenham in attack, and his absence will leave a gap in the forward line. Solanke’s injury is also a blow for Tottenham, as the striker has been in good form and was expected to play a significant role in the team’s attack.
However, there is some positive news for Tottenham, as Timo Werner, who had been sidelined for a period, is back in training with the team. Werner’s return could provide a much-needed boost for Tottenham’s attacking options, although Postecoglou has chosen not to include him in the squad for their recent match against Ipswich Town
The upcoming match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur is set to be a fascinating encounter, with both teams facing significant injury challenges. Manchester City, while still a formidable force, will be hoping for the return of Erling Haaland to bolster their attack, but their defensive options are also stretched with key players like John Stones and Manuel Akanji sidelined. Tottenham, on the other hand, is dealing with a defensive crisis, with several key defenders unavailable, as well as concerns in the forward areas with Richarlison and Solanke out. Both managers, Guardiola and Postecoglou, will have to make tactical adjustments, and the outcome of this match could hinge on which team is able to adapt better to their injury situations.
While injuries are an unfortunate part of football, they also provide an opportunity for other players to step up and make their mark. Both City and Tottenham will rely on their remaining squad members to deliver strong performances and keep their respective seasons on track. The match promises to be an exciting and closely contested affair, with both teams eager to take all three points.
