Man City vs Tottenham Hotspur injury news: 8 ruled out and 2 doubtful including Erling Haaland latest
Manchester City faced a tough weekend as their hopes of qualifying for the prestigious Champions League took a significant blow when they were defeated 2-0 by Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium. The loss came after a performance in which they were unable to recover from an early setback, leaving manager Pep Guardiola and the players with much to reflect on.
This was not just a loss but one that seriously dented their position in the race for a Champions League spot, as they now have to fight for every point in the remaining matches of the season.
The game started poorly for City when Liverpool scored from a set-piece in the first half. Mohamed Salah, one of Liverpool’s key players, showed his quality as he found the back of the net with an expertly executed finish, taking advantage of the well-crafted set-piece routine that caught City’s defense off guard. This early goal set the tone for the match, and despite City’s best efforts to respond, they couldn’t find an equalizer. Liverpool extended their lead later in the match when Dominik Szoboszlai struck a powerful low shot, following up on a brilliant assist from Salah, effectively sealing the victory for the visitors.
The defeat left Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, and the fans disappointed, but also realistic about the challenges ahead. It was clear that Liverpool was a step ahead, and they had shown City that they were ready to fight for the title. The match highlighted the growing dominance of Liverpool, with many pundits, including Sky Sports’ Roy Keane, commenting that this could be the turning point in the Premier League title race. Keane, who has long been an outspoken figure in English football, remarked that Manchester City’s era of dominance might be coming to an end, with Liverpool now emerging as the new champions. He suggested that City had been remarkable over the past few years, but Liverpool had now proven they were the new team to beat.
On the other hand, Jamie Carragher, a former Liverpool player and now a prominent football pundit, added his thoughts, saying that defeating Manchester City both at home and away was one of the most significant statements a team could make in the Premier League. Carragher also pointed out that this victory was not only about getting the points but also about sending a message to their rivals that Liverpool was back at the top, ready to challenge for the league title once again.
Despite this tough loss, Manchester City remains in the fourth position in the Premier League standings. However, this defeat means that they are now level on points with Newcastle United, who had their own struggles earlier in the season but recently bounced back with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park. This result placed even more pressure on Manchester City, as the battle for Champions League qualification is expected to be a tight race between several top teams.
Looking ahead, Manchester City will face Tottenham Hotspur in their next match. Tottenham, managed by Ange Postecoglou, will be a challenging opponent for City, especially after Spurs’ stunning 4-0 victory over City earlier in the season at the Etihad Stadium. That loss to Tottenham had sent shockwaves throughout the Premier League, and it raised questions about City’s ability to handle teams who were playing with great intensity. Tottenham’s performance that day was a reminder of how quickly things can turn in football, and City was caught off guard by Spurs’ attacking prowess.
In the lead-up to the next match, Spurs have been showing signs of returning to their best form. After a disastrous run in January and early February, where they failed to pick up many points, Spurs have now won three consecutive matches in the Premier League. This turnaround in form has been crucial for Postecoglou, who previously had to contend with a string of injuries that severely impacted his team’s performances. However, Spurs are now close to having their full-strength squad available, and that makes them a dangerous proposition for any team, including Manchester City.
Postecoglou, who has become known for his attacking football and ability to inspire his players, recently mentioned that the team’s poor form earlier in the year could be attributed to the injuries they had suffered. However, the manager is now confident that his side is on the right track and that they will be ready to compete with the top teams in the league. It’s clear that he is optimistic about Spurs’ future and their ability to challenge for top positions in the Premier League once again.
As both teams prepare for the upcoming match, injury concerns are at the forefront of both managers’ minds. Spurs are currently dealing with a number of injury issues, and they will be missing several key players for the upcoming clash against Manchester City. One of the most significant absentees for Spurs is £65 million signing Dominic Solanke, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Solanke, who had shown flashes of his talent earlier in the season, will not be available for this crucial match. However, the good news for Spurs fans is that Solanke is expected to return to action in early March, giving the team a much-needed boost as the season progresses.
Another player who will miss out is Richarlison, the Brazilian forward who has had a difficult time with injuries this season. Richarlison has struggled to find consistent form and has been plagued by injuries that have kept him out of the team for extended periods. The hope is that he can return to full fitness soon and help Spurs in their push for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
In terms of defense, Tottenham will also be without two key center-backs, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, who are both currently sidelined due to injury. Van de Ven, who has been a standout performer for Spurs this season, is expected to be back in March, and Romero, who is another crucial part of their defense, will also return around the same time. Postecoglou is hopeful that both players will be available for their Europa League fixtures, with the manager targeting the first Europa game as a possible return date for these two defenders.
Unfortunately, there is also bad news for Tottenham in terms of other injuries. Defender Radu Dragusin has suffered an ACL injury and will be out for the remainder of the year, which is a huge blow for the team. The loss of Dragusin, who had been a valuable option in defense, will force Postecoglou to rethink his defensive setup for the remainder of the season.
On the other side, Manchester City is also dealing with a number of injury concerns as they prepare for their trip to North London. The biggest worry for the City faithful is the fitness of their star striker, Erling Haaland. Haaland, who has been a key player for City since joining the club, missed the recent defeat to Liverpool due to injury and is now facing a race against time to be fit for the match against Tottenham. Guardiola revealed that Haaland would undergo a late fitness test to determine whether he would be available for the match, but there is uncertainty about whether he will be able to feature. Guardiola had mentioned that Haaland improved after training but didn’t feel fully fit, and it would be a decision made close to match day. Haaland’s absence would be a significant blow for City, as they rely heavily on his goalscoring ability.
City will also be without two important defensive players for this match. Manuel Akanji and John Stones are both unavailable for selection due to injuries, which further weakens City’s defense. Akanji, who has been solid at the back this season, will be missed, as will Stones, who is a key part of City’s defensive setup. In addition to these injuries, winger Oscar Bobb is also out of the squad, leaving Guardiola with fewer options in attack.
The most concerning injury for Manchester City, however, is that of Rodri. Rodri, who is a vital player for City in midfield, is recovering from an ACL injury, and while there is hope that he could make a return before the end of the season, he is still a long way from full fitness. His absence means that City will have to make do without one of their most influential players for the time being
Despite these setbacks, Pep Guardiola remains optimistic about his team’s ability to compete, even in the face of mounting injuries. Guardiola is known for his tactical acumen and his ability to get the best out of his players, even when faced with challenges. He has praised his team for their resilience in recent matches and emphasized that there were positives to take from the loss to Liverpool, despite the disappointing result. Guardiola remains confident that Manchester City can bounce back and remain in the hunt for Champions League qualification.
As the season progresses, both Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur will be desperate to secure the points needed to achieve their respective goals. For City, the priority is to secure a top-four finish and qualify for the Champions League, while for Spurs, the focus is on maintaining their strong form and continuing their rise up the Premier League table. With both teams dealing with key injuries, the match promises to be an exciting and unpredictable encounter.
The stakes couldn’t be higher as these two top clubs prepare to face off in a game that could have major implications for both teams’ aspirations for the rest of the season. Manchester City will be looking to get back on track after their defeat to Liverpool, while Tottenham will be aiming to continue their good form and make a statement against one of the Premier League’s top teams. It is sure to be an intense battle, and fans from both sides will be hoping for a positive result that will keep their teams in the hunt for their goals.
