Haaland, Stones, Bobb – Man City injury latest and return dates amid clear boost
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided a series of injury updates ahead of Wednesday night’s crucial Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, with mixed news regarding several key players
The availability of star striker Erling Haaland remains uncertain as City prepare to travel to North London. The Norwegian forward missed the weekend defeat to Liverpool after being an unused substitute during the midweek Champions League loss at Real Madrid.
When addressing Haaland’s status during his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: “Tonight we will know after training. I hope (he will be fit) but I don’t know yet. He feels better but the last two games he could not play. We’ll see.”
The final decision on Haaland’s participation appears contingent on his response to Tuesday’s training session, with the club being cautious regarding his knee issue
In more encouraging news for City supporters, Guardiola revealed a significant positive update regarding defender John Stones. Initially feared to require surgery that would end his season, the England international will not need an operation after suffering a thigh injury against Real Madrid.
Stones, who was forced off after just eight minutes in Madrid, could now potentially return to action in late April or early May. This timeline would make him available for the crucial final stages of the season as City pursue their remaining objectives.
Swiss defender Manuel Akanji continues his recovery from a serious muscle injury sustained during the first leg against Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium. Akanji tore his adductor muscle in that 3-2 defeat and was subsequently withdrawn at half-time.
Guardiola previously confirmed the severity of the issue, stating: “Surgery on Saturday (last weekend). Eight to ten weeks out. His adductor is broken. We wish the best recovery for Manu because the effort he has done this season has been unbelievable.”
Based on this timeline, Akanji could potentially return to action in late April, though his availability for the season’s conclusion remains uncertain.
Spanish midfielder Rodri remains a long-term absentee following the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury he suffered during City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on September 22nd. While he has been working diligently on his rehabilitation and has been spotted participating in limited training activities, he is not expected to feature again in the current domestic season.
There is, however, a possibility that Rodri could participate in City’s Club World Cup campaign in the United States this summer, offering a target for his recovery process.
Speaking about his rehabilitation journey, Rodri recently said: “Well, I always say, it’s part of life. Injuries, athletes are used to these kind of things. But I’m a very positive guy in the sense that I take it what it is. I always thank God for everything and in these kind of moments try and be positive. And maybe do other stuff that I’m not used to doing, like coming here, spending more time with your family and why not try to improve other parts of your body, work on that and come back stronger.”
Young talent Oscar Bobb has yet to make an appearance for City this season after breaking a bone in his leg during pre-season training. His recovery has been complicated by several minor setbacks, though Guardiola offered an optimistic assessment of his current condition.
“He feels really good, much better than when he came back [the first time],” Guardiola explained on Tuesday. “He had a problem in the [ankle] disturbing him, he could not run properly. Come back, stop, come back, stop. The doctors decide wisely to stop until you feel little discomfort in the ankle. Then you can train.”
The City manager added: “I think he will be back soon for the last part (of the season). But I said that a month ago and still is not here. Hopefully this time can happen.”
Despite this positive outlook, no specific return date has been established for Bobb as the club continues to prioritize his complete recovery before reintegrating him into the squad.
These injury concerns come at a challenging time for Manchester City, who face a Tottenham side that has historically proven difficult for them, particularly at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The potential absence of Haaland would represent a significant blow to City’s attacking options as they look to bounce back from consecutive defeats against Real Madrid and Liverpool.
The defensive situation also remains precarious with both Stones and Akanji unavailable, likely requiring Guardiola to continue relying on alternative defensive configurations as they navigate this crucial phase of the Premier League campaign.
