Man City injury, suspension news and return dates for Brentford: Jeremy Doku, John Stones, Rodri latest

Manchester City are once against standing at a familiar crossroads in their season, where trophies, pressure, injuries, and expectations all collide at the same time. On Wednesday night at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola’s side will face Brentford in the EFL Cup quarter-final, with a place in the semi-finals on the line. On paper, it looks like a normal cup game. In reality, it feels like another serious test of City’s depth, focus, and resilience.

City come into this match full of confidence after a convincing 3-0 Premier League win over Crystal Palace. The scoreline suggested comfort, control, and dominance. But Guardiola knows football is rarely that simple. He admitted after the match that his side did not play as well as the score suggested. Some players rushed decisions, some lost concentration, and some were not at their sharpest. These are small details, but at this level, small details decide trophies.

Now, with Brentford arriving in Manchester just days later, Guardiola must juggle form, fitness, and fatigue. The EFL Cup may not be the biggest prize in City’s cabinet, but Guardiola never takes competitions lightly. For him, every trophy matters. Every game is a chance to demand more from his players. And right now, his biggest concern is not tactics or motivation, but bodies.

Manchester City’s injury list has once again become a major talking point.

Jeremy Doku’s situation has raised eyebrows. The Belgian winger was a surprise absence from the squad that faced Crystal Palace, and Guardiola later confirmed that Doku picked up a leg injury. The timing could not be worse. Doku has been one of City’s most explosive and unpredictable players this season. His pace, dribbling, and direct style give City something different, especially against deep-defending teams.

Guardiola did not give many details about the injury, which has only increased concern among fans. When Pep is vague, supporters usually assume the worst. Doku has not been officially ruled out of the Brentford game, but he is considered a major doubt. Even if he is fit enough to make the squad, questions remain about whether Guardiola would risk him in a cup match with a busy schedule ahead.

Without Doku, City lose width, speed, and a player who can turn a quiet game into chaos in seconds. Against a Brentford side that is organised, physical, and disciplined, that kind of unpredictability could be crucial.

Then there is John Stones.

Stones has missed City’s last three matches due to a thigh injury, and his absence has been quietly significant. While City have many defenders, Stones offers something unique. He is not just a centre-back; he is a midfielder when City have the ball. His ability to step into midfield, break lines, and control the tempo is central to Guardiola’s system.

Assistant manager Kolo Toure has tried to calm fears by insisting the injury is not serious. There is a small chance Stones could return against Brentford, but once again, it feels like a late decision. Guardiola must weigh the importance of the EFL Cup against the risk of aggravating an injury that could cause bigger problems later in the seaso

Rodri’s absence remains the biggest concern of all.

The Spanish midfielder has been out with a hamstring injury, and while his return is getting closer, this game will almost certainly come too soon. Rodri is expected to be back around the weekend when City face West Ham, but until then, Guardiola must cope without the heart of his team.

Rodri is more than just a defensive midfielder. He is the brain of Manchester City. When he plays, City control games. When he does not, they often look slightly uncomfortable, even when winning. His positioning, passing, calmness, and leadership are almost impossible to replace.

City have won matches without Rodri, but Guardiola knows the margins become thinner. Against Brentford, a team that presses well and battles aggressively in midfield, Rodri’s absence will be felt deeply.

Mateo Kovacic’s situation is even more worrying.

The Croatian midfielder is facing a long spell on the sidelines due to a serious ankle problem. Guardiola has confirmed that Kovacic has a calcified ankle, an issue that can take months to fully heal. While there is hope he could return before the end of the season, there are no guarantees.

Kovacic was brought to City to add experience, control, and rotation options in midfield. With Rodri injured and Kovacic unavailable, Guardiola’s midfield choices become more limited. Young players and squad members are being asked to step up, and while City have quality everywhere, consistency becomes harder to maintain.

The good news for City is that there are no suspensions to worry about. Discipline has not been an issue, and Guardiola can at least select from all available players without that extra concern.

Still, injuries have a way of changing plans.

Brentford may not be title challengers, but they are not a team to underestimate. They are well-drilled, physically strong, and tactically smart. They recently drew 1-1 with Leeds United and will arrive at the Etihad believing they can cause problems. Cup football is unpredictable, and Brentford know that City, with injuries and rotation, could be vulnerable.

Guardiola will likely rotate his squad, but not completely. He wants to win this competition. He wants momentum. He wants standards to remain high. But every decision carries risk.

Does he start key players and risk further injuries?

Or does he rotate heavily and risk losing control of the match?

These are the questions that define Guardiola’s job.

City’s season so far has been one of quiet recovery and renewed belief. After a difficult spell earlier in the campaign, performances have improved. Players like Erling Haaland and Phil Foden are finding rhythm again. Confidence is returning. But Guardiola knows that injuries can quickly derail even the strongest teams.

The EFL Cup may seem small compared to the Premier League or Champions League, but winning it can shape a season. It builds belief. It creates habits. It sends a message.

For Manchester City, Wednesday night is about more than just beating Brentford. It is about managing adversity. It is about proving depth. It is about showing that even without key players like Rodri, Doku, Stones, and Kovacic, the machine keeps moving.

For Guardiola, it is another test of his ability to adapt, rotate, and demand excellence from every player in his squad.

And for City fans, it is another reminder that success is never smooth. Injuries, doubts, and pressure are part of the journey.

As the Etihad lights shine and the teams walk out, Manchester City will once again aim to show why they remain one of the most feared sides in English football. But with key players missing or doubtful, nothing can be taken for granted.