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Pep Guardiola joked on Wednesday night that he would only have Erling Haaland and two goalkeepers available for the following day’s training.
At least, it was probably a joke. Manchester City really are down to bare bones at the moment and Guardiola’s stretched squad suffered two fresh injuries in the 2-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. Manuel Akanji had to pull out in the warm-up and Savinho was stretchered off in the second period.
That brings City’s list of absentees up to eight, with Kyle Walker, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Oscar Bobb, Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish missing the trip to Spurs.
“We are 13 [outfield] players,” Guardiola said after the game. “We are in real difficulty but we have to make the effort. The guys who played, most finished with problems and we will see how they recover.
“I think when we are in trouble like we are - because in nine years I have never had this many injuries for this many reasons - in these situations. The players make a step forward, they are more together than ever and we will try to do this week in a short time for recovery.”
Guardiola also revealed Ruben Dias is struggling with a knock after the defender was replaced at half-time in the Carabao Cup loss. In fact, so severe are City’s injury issues at the moment, Guardiola opted not to introduce Haaland as the team searched for an equaliser.
With all that in mind, we’ve rounded up all of City’s injury concerns and when each player could potentially return to the team.
5. Kevin De Bruyne - expected return date: 23 November
Guardiola has revealed he doesn't expect the midfielder to return until after the international break. De Bruyne has been struggling with a pelvis injury for over a month but has been training for a few weeks. The City boss said his star man won't come back until he is at 100 percent fitness.
6. Oscar Bobb - expected return date: 2025
Guardiola said last week that the attacker won't play again until January or February. Bobb suffered a freak leg fracture ahead of the opening league game of the season and hasn't played since the Community Shield in August.
7. Savinho - possible return date: N/A
The winger will have a scan on his injury today (Thursday). Savinho dropped to the deck midway through the second half against Tottenham following an innocuous moment when he went over on his ankle. A stretcher was required and it looks like a serious injury for the 20-year-old.
8. Jeremy Doku - expected return date: 23 November
Guardiola confirmed last week that the winger, who picked up a knock two weeks ago at Molineux, won't play again before the November international break.