Man City Injury Update: Confirmed Latest on Rodri, John Stones and More | OneFootball

Man City Injury Latest: Rodri, John Stones and Nathan Ake Face FA Cup Final Race

As the business end of the season approaches, Manchester City’s quest for silverware is once again hampered by fitness concerns. With Erling Haaland back in the fold, attention has now shifted to Rodri, John Stones, and Nathan Ake – three players whose absence continues to cast a shadow over Pep Guardiola’s finely tuned machine.

The FA Cup final against Crystal Palace looms large, and while Haaland’s return grabbed headlines, the lingering uncertainty surrounding City’s defensive spine and midfield metronome could prove decisive in the weeks to come.

Rodri’s Absence Continues to Undermine City’s Rhythm

Manchester City have not quite looked themselves this season, and few would dispute that Rodri’s prolonged spell on the sidelines has played a pivotal role. Out since September after damaging his ACL in a clash with Arsenal, the Spanish midfielder has spent much of the campaign in recovery following surgery in Barcelona.

Rodri had been ramping up his fitness individually since February, returning to team training sessions earlier this month. But Guardiola remains cautious. Asked ahead of the draw with Southampton whether Rodri was ready, he simply responded: “Still not available.”

It’s a statement that sums up the dilemma: even with City dominating possession and creating chances – as they did with 26 shots against the Saints – the control and tempo Rodri provides has been sorely missed. While a place on the bench for the FA Cup final cannot be ruled out, a more realistic target for the midfielder may be the final two Premier League games or a potential Club World Cup run in the United States.

Estimated return: 20 May vs Bournemouth (H)

John Stones Recovery Still Shrouded in Mystery

The case of John Stones is altogether murkier. The England international last featured in the second leg of the Champions League play-off defeat to Real Madrid in February, suffering a thigh injury that, while not requiring surgery, was set to sideline him for up to 10 weeks.

Photo: IMAGO

Since then, news has been sparse. Guardiola has not publicly addressed Stones’ status in recent press conferences, and no clear return date has emerged. His absence has been particularly damaging to City’s build-up play and defensive composure – his ability to step into midfield and link transitions remains unrivalled among City’s centre-backs.

Whether he can make a late push for the FA Cup final or the final league fixtures remains uncertain.

Estimated return: Unknown

Nathan Ake in Race Against Time

Another integral piece of Guardiola’s tactical jigsaw, Nathan Ake, also remains in limbo. The Dutchman last played in the FA Cup fifth-round victory over Plymouth, but a foot fracture – for which he underwent minor surgery – has kept him sidelined since.

Encouragingly, Ake has resumed partial training and is reportedly progressing well. Guardiola, however, confirmed he was not fit to face Southampton, suggesting his comeback may need to wait until after the FA Cup final.

Photo: IMAGO

Given the injury’s nature and City’s cautious approach with returning players, Ake may have to target the Bournemouth or Fulham fixtures to get match minutes ahead of the Club World Cup.

Estimated return: 20 May vs Bournemouth (H)

Man City’s Depth Facing Its Greatest Test Yet

Despite having one of the deepest squads in Europe, the concurrent absence of Rodri, Stones, and Ake has tested Guardiola’s resources like rarely before. While the return of Erling Haaland offers hope, it’s the solidity and control provided by the missing trio that City will crave most in a high-stakes cup final.

Their dominance of possession against Southampton – 71% with 26 shots – ultimately amounted to little without the balance that Rodri brings, the control Stones provides, or the defensive reliability of Ake. Crystal Palace will be no pushovers at Wembley, and while Guardiola will be confident in his side’s quality, the final might just hinge on who makes it back in time.