Manchester City earned a thrilling 5-2 victory against Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium on April 12, 2025. It was a remarkable comeback performance and a reminder of City’s attacking power. However, behind the joy of victory lies a growing concern – injuries to some of City’s most important players. The club now faces an injury crisis that could have a major effect on their push for trophies this season.
City manager Pep Guardiola is now dealing with injury worries concerning goalkeeper Ederson, top striker Erling Haaland, key midfielder Rodri, talented winger Phil Foden, and solid defender Nathan Ake. Let’s take a detailed look at the injury status of each player, what it means for Manchester City, and how the club might cope in the coming weeks.
Ederson, City’s number one goalkeeper and one of the best in the Premier League, suffered an injury during the match against Crystal Palace. The Brazilian shot-stopper had to be taken off the field, raising serious concern about his fitness. The club has not yet confirmed the exact injury, but there are strong indications it could be a muscular problem or a strain.
This is a huge concern for City fans and Pep Guardiola because Ederson is a key figure in the team. Not only is he known for his world-class saves, but he also plays an important role in City’s style of play with his passing from the back. If he is out for several matches, City will have to rely on second-choice goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. While Ortega is a solid and dependable backup, he lacks the same experience in high-stakes matches like the Champions League and key Premier League title-deciders. Guardiola will hope Ederson’s injury is minor, but until more information is released, fans remain worried
Phil Foden has been one of Manchester City’s most consistent and exciting players this season. But he was not part of the squad that played Crystal Palace. Guardiola later confirmed that Foden had picked up a knock during the Manchester Derby a few days earlier. Though he was hopeful Foden could recover quickly, the winger wasn’t fit enough for the Palace game.
Guardiola said the injury didn’t appear to be serious and was just a light knock. However, missing a game shows that the club is being cautious with one of its most valuable players. Foden has been crucial in creating chances, scoring goals, and adding energy to the attack. City will be hoping he returns as soon as possible. The club has set their eyes on the away game against Everton on April 19, 2025, as a possible return date for Foden. If he can recover in time, it would be a huge boost for Guardiola
Erling Haaland, City’s main goal scorer, suffered an ankle injury during City’s FA Cup quarterfinal match against Bournemouth. At first, the injury did not seem very serious. However, as time has passed, the situation remains unclear.
Haaland has already missed a few games and is still being evaluated by City’s medical team and outside specialists. The club is being careful not to rush his recovery, knowing how important he is to the team. Haaland’s ability to finish chances, his physical presence, and goal-scoring instincts are unmatched
Without him, City still has options – Julian Álvarez can fill in, but the young Argentine striker does not have the same dominance in front of goal. Haaland’s potential long-term absence could impact City’s title hopes in both the Premier League and the FA Cup
Perhaps the most serious injury concern for Manchester City is Rodri. The Spanish midfielder is out with a damaging anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. This kind of injury is very serious and usually takes months of recovery and rehabilitation.
Rodri has been the engine of City’s midfield for several seasons. He controls the tempo of the game, helps in defense, and pushes the attack forward. His absence leaves a big gap in City’s midfield. Guardiola had hoped Rodri might return before the season ends, possibly for the FA Cup final or the Club World Cup in June. But ACL injuries are unpredictable, and City will not want to rush him back.
Kalvin Phillips and Ilkay Gündogan could be called upon to help fill Rodri’s role. However, neither of them brings exactly what Rodri offers. His injury could affect City’s control in midfield in key game
City’ defensive troubles continued with the injury to Nathan Ake. The Dutch defender suffered a foot injury during City’s FA Cup win over Plymouth. After scans and further checks, the club decided that Ake needed surgery.
Ake is a versatile and reliable defender who can play both as a center-back and left-back. Guardiola has often relied on him to provide balance and defensive strength. His absence will be deeply felt, especially with other defenders also having fitness issues during the season
Reports say Ake will be out for around 11 weeks. That puts his return date around May 18, which would be close to the end of the Premier League season. He could be back in time for some important games, including the FA Cup final if City gets there
The injuries to five key players mean that Manchester City will have to make major changes in both defense and attack. Ederson’s absence changes the way the team builds play from the back. Ortega is a good goalkeeper, but he’s not as confident with the ball at his feet as Ederson
Without Haaland, the team will miss a reliable goal scorer. Julian Álvarez and Riyad Mahrez will need to step up in attack, but they will face pressure to deliver consistently. Haaland’s ability to score from almost nothing makes him nearly impossible to replace.
In midfield, the loss of Rodri is massive. He provides defensive security and allows creative players like Kevin De Bruyne to play freely. Guardiola may now need to make the midfield more defensive or rely on less experienced players.
Phil Foden’s absence removes one of City’s most creative players. The team will hope Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, and Mahrez can provide similar attacking threat. But Foden’s unique talent and movement are hard to copy
Pep Guardiola is known for being one of the best tactical minds in football. But this injury crisis will truly test his ability to adapt and think creatively.
For the goalkeeping position, Ortega will likely continue as the starter while Ederson is out. However, if the Brazilian is ruled out for a long time, the club might consider signing a short-term replacement, especially with big games coming up.
In attack, Guardiola could use a front three with Mahrez, Grealish, and Álvarez. He might also bring in younger players from the academy if needed. In midfield, the manager will have to choose between Gündogan and Phillips, or possibly change the system to offer more protection to the defense.
Defensively, with Ake out, City may rely more on Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Josko Gvardiol. But if any more defenders get injured, Guardiola could be forced to sign another defender, even on a short loan.
Despite the injury crisis, Manchester City still has a strong squad filled with talent and depth. They are competing in the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Champions League. Their ambition to win trophies remains strong.
Guardiola’s coaching ability and the team’s hunger for success will be tested. The next few games will show whether the squad can cope with these setbacks. City fans will hope the injured stars can return before the season ends.
Even if the road ahead is difficult, Manchester City has shown in the past that they can overcome challenges. With a bit of luck and clever tactics, the team can still finish the season on a high.
Manchester City’s 5-2 win over Crystal Palace was impressive, but it came at a price. Losing five key players to injuries is a big challenge for any club, even one as deep and talented as City.
Guardiola now faces one of his toughest tests. The team will need to stay strong, adapt to new roles, and continue fighting for every point. Fans will keep hoping for positive news about Ederson, Haaland, Rodri, Foden, and Ake
