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Manchester City's Treble Bid Threatened by Growing Injury List

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 29th 2025 at 2:27 GMT by Sporting News

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Manchester City Grapples with Injuries Ahead of Crucial Run-In: A Detailed Look at the Injury List and Potential Impact

Manchester City’s quest for a historic treble – Premier League title, FA Cup, and Champions League glory – is being complicated by a growing injury list. While Pep Guardiola's squad remains formidable, several key players are sidelined or facing fitness concerns, forcing tactical adjustments and potentially impacting their chances of success in the season's final weeks. The Sporting News article provides a detailed breakdown of the situation, which we’ll explore here.

Key Absences & Return Timelines:

The most significant absence remains Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian maestro suffered a hamstring injury during the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid on April 11th. Initial reports suggested a four-to-six week recovery period, but subsequent updates indicate it's proving more complex. The article states he’s currently aiming for a return after the Premier League title has been decided – potentially late May or early June. This is a massive blow; De Bruyne’s creativity and goalscoring ability are irreplaceable, and his absence significantly reduces City’s attacking threat. The linked article from Fabrizio Romano confirms this extended timeline, emphasizing that De Bruyne's return isn't guaranteed even for the latter stages of the Champions League.

Another major concern is Jeremy Doku. The dynamic winger sustained a muscle injury in the recent Premier League victory over Fulham and is expected to be out for several weeks. The initial assessment pointed towards 4-6 weeks, but Guardiola has indicated it could be longer, potentially pushing his return into late May or early June as well. This further weakens City’s attacking options on the flanks, forcing adjustments in their build-up play and providing less direct threat.

Nathan Aké, a versatile defender who can operate at left-back or center-back, is also out with a hamstring injury sustained against Aston Villa. His return date is currently estimated to be around mid-May. This absence puts added pressure on the remaining defensive options, particularly given the importance of rotation and maintaining fitness during this demanding period.

Jack Grealish, who has been battling a recurring knee issue, remains unavailable. While he’s been seen participating in some training sessions, Guardiola is proceeding with caution to avoid exacerbating the problem. The article suggests his return is uncertain, and it's unlikely he will be available for the upcoming games.

John Stones had previously been out with a knock but has returned to action, although he’s managed minutes rather than full matches. He’s considered fit enough to feature, though Guardiola will likely manage his workload carefully. His versatility – playing both center-back and defensive midfield – makes him invaluable to the team's tactical flexibility.

Oscar Bobb is also listed as out with an unspecified injury, further thinning the squad options. The article doesn’t provide a specific return date for Bobb, adding another layer of uncertainty.

Players Facing Fitness Checks & Minor Concerns:

Several players are considered to be in varying degrees of fitness and will require careful monitoring:

• Erling Haaland: While not officially injured, Haaland has been visibly struggling with fatigue and a minor knock. He's crucial for City’s goalscoring prowess, but Guardiola is likely to rotate him more frequently to manage his workload and prevent further issues.
• Phil Foden: The young English star has been in excellent form, but he's also prone to picking up niggling injuries. He will need to be managed carefully to ensure he remains fit for the crucial games ahead.
• Rodri: The midfield linchpin is vital to City’s defensive structure and control of possession. Any slight fitness concern with Rodri would significantly impact the team's performance.

Impact on Lineup & Tactical Considerations:

The absence of De Bruyne, Doku, and Aké necessitates significant tactical adjustments from Guardiola. He will need to rely on players like Bernardo Silva, Cole Palmer, and Josko Gvardiol to fill the gaps. The article suggests potential lineup changes including utilizing Rico Lewis at left-back or deploying a more pragmatic midfield setup to compensate for the lack of attacking impetus provided by De Bruyne.

The Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid is particularly concerning given City's previous struggles against them, and the injuries significantly reduce their chances of overcoming that hurdle. Similarly, maintaining momentum in the Premier League title race while managing player fitness will be a delicate balancing act.

Overall Assessment:

Manchester City’s injury situation presents a significant challenge to their treble ambitions. While Guardiola has proven his ability to adapt and overcome adversity, the loss of key players like De Bruyne and Doku is undeniably damaging. Careful squad management, tactical flexibility, and a degree of luck will be essential if City are to achieve their goals in the remaining weeks of the season. The return dates for several injured players remain uncertain, adding another layer of complexity to Guardiola’s planning.

Disclaimer: This summary is based solely on the information provided in the linked Sporting News article and may not reflect all current updates or developments regarding Manchester City's injury situation. For the most up-to-date information, please refer directly to the original source.