Man City injury update: Kevin De Bruyne, Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake latest news and return dates

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Evening Standard

·17 October 2024

Man City injury update: Kevin De Bruyne, Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake latest news and return dates

Pep Guardiola could be handed some positive injury news after the international break

Pep Guardiola will have been nervously keeping an eye on the international action over the past ten days, but there have been no obvious issues picked up by City players.

That is positive news for Guardiola, who has had to cope with Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri in recent weeks, with the latter ruled out for the rest of the campaign.

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Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb have also had lengthy spells on the sidelines.

Here is the latest Man City injury news...

Rodri’s ACL injury is a major blow for Man City

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Kevin De Bruyne

De Bruyne has been on the sidelines since he came off at half-time in City’s opening Champions League clash against Inter Milan a month ago.

The midfielder was not included in Belgium’s squad for the fixtures in the last few days against Italy and France, while Domenico Tedesco has revealed that De Bruyne has also asked to not be called up for his country’s Nations League fixtures next month.

That has raised fears that the Belgian could be facing a lengthy spell out, but it is appears that is a precautionary decision, with De Bruyne keen to focus on returning to fitness for his club.

“It’s not a big issue, but he still doesn’t feel good, we’re managing his fitness issues,” Guardiola said, having previously suggested De Bruyne could be available after the international break.

“It’s better, less minutes, but the players don’t say that. They want to play every single game. That’s nice. That’s fine. But sometimes the body sends warnings.

“I’m here, so we have to [be careful], because they are human, a lot of games, a lot of years, many years injured, and the consequences are here.”

Potential return date: October 20, vs Wolves

Nathan Ake

City have also had to cope with the absence of Ake, who has not featured since September 10.

The defender suffered a hamstring injury while playing for the Netherlands against Germany, and it means he has already missed seven matches for his club.

However, City could be set for a boost in defence, with Ake believes to have returned to training as he closes in on a return to first-team action.

“Yeah, I expect him back after the international break,” Guardiola said a couple of weeks ago. “I would say without injury, but Nathan is not like Phil Foden, for example, that [clicks fingers] are into training sessions and fit.

“He needs time. The info I had yesterday is that he has started training on the pitch and we will see.”

Potential return date: October 20, vs Wolves

Nathan Ake is set to return after the international break

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Oscar Bobb

After impressing in pre-season, City would have hoped for Bobb to play a significant role in their campaign, but that excitement was swiftly ended by a serious injury on the eve of the new Premier League season.

The winger suffered a leg fracture in training and surgery was required, meaning he has not yet made an appearance and a return is not believed to be imminent.

An initial timeframe of four months out would mean Bobb could be available again before Christmas, but his return is likely still a couple of months away.

Potential return date: December

Rodri

In a huge blow to City’s hopes of major honours this season, Rodri suffered ACL and meniscus damage against Arsenal, with it confirmed that his season has come to a premature end.

"He had surgery this morning, ACL and some meniscus," Guardiola said before his side’s draw with Newcastle last month. "Next season he will be here. This season is over [for him]. It is what it is.

"Unfortunately, we got the worst [news] but it is what it is at this level. Sometimes, unfortunately, it happens. We are just there to support him and [help him make a] good recovery, step by step, and move forward.”

Potential return date: Summer 2025