Man City Injury Update: Latest on Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and More | OneFootball

Manchester City Injury Woes: Updates on Haaland, De Bruyne, and Stones

In the wake of a stellar 4-0 triumph over Newcastle, Manchester City’s upbeat momentum met a harsh reality check in Madrid. This setback has been compounded by the absence of key players, notably Erling Haaland, whose presence was sorely missed.

Haaland’s Knee Woes: A Concern for City

Erling Haaland’s knee issues have become a talking point after he was seen struggling during the Newcastle clash. Despite travelling with the team to Madrid, Haaland didn’t take to the pitch, remaining an unused substitute throughout the match. His knee problem, initially not deemed severe by Pep Guardiola, sidelined him following a brief attempt to play after the injury. Guardiola’s pre-game comments hinted at optimism, “He was close but not enough,” but post-match insights painted a grimmer picture, “He had discomfort when walking…he said ‘I’m not ready, I don’t feel good.”

Photo IMAGO

De Bruyne’s Fitful Season

Like Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne has had his share of injury troubles this season. After sitting out the Newcastle game—presumably to save him for Madrid—De Bruyne remained on the bench, leaving City without one of its most creative forces when it mattered. With no fresh updates from Guardiola, who is poised to speak before the upcoming Liverpool match, the ambiguity around De Bruyne’s condition persists.

Photo: IMAGO

Stones and City’s Defensive Dilemma

John Stones’ injury only added to City’s defensive troubles in the Bernabeu. Early in the game, after Kylian Mbappe’s goal put Madrid ahead, Stones pulled up with what appeared to be a muscle injury, necessitating his early substitution. This incident marks another setback in a season plagued by injuries for the England defender.

Other Concerns in the Squad

The injury list extends beyond these key figures. Manuel Akanji, another pivotal defender, is on the sidelines following surgery for an abductor tear suffered in the dramatic first leg against Madrid. While initial reports were pessimistic, Guardiola has offered a glimmer of hope, suggesting a potential return in eight to ten weeks, targeting a comeback around April or May 2025.

Oscar Bobb, expected to make significant contributions this season, remains out with a leg injury that has excluded him from the campaign so far. Despite returning to training, a subsequent setback has obscured his return timeline.

Rodri, whose absence has been felt in midfield, continues his recovery from a serious knee injury incurred in September. While he aims for a summer return at the Club World Cup, Guardiola emphasises a cautious approach, “no pressure” on rushing his return.

As Manchester City gears up for a pivotal clash against Liverpool, the fitness of their squad remains an uncertain, yet critical, factor in their campaign. With multiple return dates still unknown, City fans and Guardiola alike will be hoping for positive news in the coming weeks.