Man City v Copenhagen injury news as five sidelined and one doubt

Manchester City will be without Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Kalvin Phillips when they face FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to make it four wins from four in this year’s group stage as they travel to Denmark, having beaten their hosts 5-0 at the Etihad just last week. A brace from Erling Haaland, Riyad Mahrez, and Julian Alvarez, as well as an own goal from Davit Khocholava, were enough to secure a commanding win for the Blues.

The result also put City to within one win of qualification for the knockout stages of the competition, meaning that three points on their travels this week will be enough to mathematically guarantee their place in the round of 16. As things stand in Group G, Guardiola’s side are top with nine points, followed by Borussia Dortmund on six points, with Sevilla and Copenhagen both with a single point to their name each.

But if City are to reach the next round on Tuesday, they will have to do so without a trio of English talents. Walker underwent groin surgery last week, and now faces a race against time if he is to be fit for the start of the World Cup in late November. Likewise, Phillips is recovering from surgery on his shoulder. For his part, Stones suffered a hamstring issue last week and Guardiola confirmed at the weekend he is not yet ready to resume training.

The manager said: “He’s getting better, not training. Hopefully he’ll come back and feel better.”

With regards to Copenhagen, Jacob Neestrup’s side will again be without Akinkunmi Amoo and Zeca due to injury issues, while Mamoudou Karamoko will need to pass a late fitness test if he is to feature.