Gvardiol, Stones, Nunes – Latest Man City injury news and return dates vs Wolves

Manchester City go into the Wolves game with a heavy mix of pressure, frustration, hope, and uncertainty hanging over the Etihad. After the painful defeat to Manchester United last week, Pep Guardiola knows his team must respond, not just with words but with performance. However, as has been the case for much of this season, injuries are once again shaping the story, the selection, and the mood around the club.

The build-up to this Wolves match has not been about tactics or form alone. It has been about who is fit, who is missing, and who can be trusted to step up when the squad is stretched to its limits. Guardiola has spent much of his recent press conferences talking less about football philosophy and more about medical updates. That alone tells the story of where Manchester City are right now.

The biggest concern remains the defence. Manchester City, a team known for control, calmness, and structure, suddenly find themselves short of stability at the back. Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and John Stones are all unavailable, leaving a huge hole in the heart of the defence. Losing one of those players would be difficult for any team. Losing all three at the same time is a nightmare scenario, even for a squad as deep as City’s.

Dias has been a leader since the day he arrived. His voice, positioning, and reading of the game are crucial to Guardiola’s system. Without him, City lose authority. Gvardiol, still adapting but already important, offers physicality and balance on the left side of defence. Stones, meanwhile, brings intelligence and flexibility, able to step into midfield or control the tempo from the back. With all three missing, Guardiola has been forced into uncomfortable solutions.

This is where January signing Marc Guehi suddenly becomes central to the story. Signed from Crystal Palace for £20 million, Guehi’s arrival now looks perfectly timed. What was initially seen as smart squad planning has quickly turned into a necessity. Guardiola has confirmed that Guehi is ready and available, and there is a strong chance he could make his debut against Wolves. That alone adds another layer of intrigue. Thrown straight into the Premier League, under pressure, in a team desperate for defensive solidity, Guehi has a big task ahead of him.

Matheus Nunes is another name causing concern. The midfielder has missed the last two matches due to a flu virus that has refused to clear. While flu may sound minor compared to muscle injuries, it has weakened him enough to rule him out of recent games. Guardiola confirmed that Nunes remains a major doubt and will be assessed late. His availability could be crucial, especially with City short of options in both midfield and defence. Nunes has been used in multiple roles this season, and his energy could help City control transitions against a Wolves side that likes to break quickly.

Nico Gonzalez is another player stuck on the treatment table. The injury he picked up against Brighton has sidelined him longer than hoped. Guardiola has been clear that Gonzalez is not ready to return and will not be involved. That removes another midfield option at a time when City are crying out for legs, intensity, and freshness. Gonzalez had started to find rhythm before the injury, making his absence even more frustrating.

Then there is Bernardo Silva. His situation is slightly different. Silva missed the Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt due to suspension, not injury. The good news for City fans is that he is back and available for Wolves. His return feels massive. Silva brings leadership, creativity, and fight. When City struggle, he is often the one demanding more from teammates, pressing harder, running further, and trying to force moments of magic. Guardiola knows how important he is, especially with so many others missing.

Mateo Kovacic remains out, and his absence continues to be felt. Injured since November with an ankle problem, Kovacic is not expected back until March. His calmness, experience, and ability to carry the ball through midfield have been sorely missed. With such a long recovery timeline, City have had to accept that Kovacic will not be part of their immediate plans, placing more strain on the midfielders who are fit.

Jeremy Doku is edging closer to full fitness, and his situation offers a small glimmer of hope. The Belgian winger was an unused substitute in the last match after missing training earlier in the week. Guardiola has suggested that Doku is now pushing toward full match fitness and could feature against Wolves. His pace and directness could be vital, especially if Wolves sit deep and City struggle to break them down. Doku gives City something different, something unpredictable.

Antoine Semenyo is another option returning to the matchday squad. He was ineligible for the last European game, but he is now available domestically. His return gives Guardiola another attacking option as he looks to rotate and manage fatigue. While Semenyo may not be the headline name, moments like these often give fringe players a chance to make a statement.

Despite these returns, the wider picture remains worrying. Manchester City still have seven first-team players missing. At one point in recent training sessions, the absentee list reportedly reached as high as twelve. That level of disruption would hurt any team, but for a side that relies heavily on rhythm, structure, and automatisms, it is especially damaging.

Guardiola has never been one to hide behind excuses, but even he has admitted that the situation is far from ideal. The challenge now is not just about beating Wolves. It is about stabilising the team, restoring confidence, and proving that City can still compete at the highest level even when things are not perfect.

The Wolves game itself is dangerous. Wolves are organised, physical, and capable of punishing mistakes. With City’s defensive issues, concentration will be vital. Any slip, any miscommunication, could be costly. Guardiola knows this, and that is why the injury situation feels so critical.

The loss to Manchester United still lingers in the background. That defeat was not just about the scoreline. It was about missed chances, defensive lapses, and a sense that City are not quite themselves right now. The Wolves game is a chance to reset, but only if the players available can step up.

Fans are anxious but hopeful. The return of Bernardo Silva, the possible involvement of Doku, and the debut potential of Marc Guehi give reasons to believe. At the same time, the continued absence of key defenders and midfielders keeps nerves on edge.

This match will test Guardiola’s adaptability. It will test squad players who may not have expected to play such important roles. It will test the mentality of a team that has been used to dominance but now finds itself fighting through adversity.

As Saturday approaches, all eyes remain on the injury updates. Will Nunes recover in time? How ready is Guehi? Can Doku provide an impact? These questions dominate the conversation because, right now, Manchester City’s season feels balanced on fine margins.

One thing is clear. This is not just another Premier League game. This is a moment where Manchester City must show resilience, unity, and belief. Injuries may weaken the squad, but they also offer opportunities. Against Wolves, Guardiola and his players must prove that even in crisis, City can still stand tall.