Manchester City star pictured on crutches in major injury blow to Pep Guardiola’s attacking options | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has seen his attacking options further reduced this week with one focal member of the Manchester City offensive unit spotted on crutches.

The Etihad Stadium boss has already had to contend with a growing list of concerns throughout the September international break, including the likes of John Stones withdrawing from England duty with a muscle issue and Oscar Bobb revealing he required scans after feeling discomfort in his thigh.

Now, alongside a long list of other names that also include Rico Lewis, Josko Gvardiol, and Nico O’Reilly, Omar Marmoush’s situation has brought fresh uncertainty to Guardiola’s preparations ahead of the return to domestic action.

Marmoush had been enjoying a promising start to life at City following his January arrival, offering versatility across the front line and providing Pep Guardiola with a different profile in attack.

However, the forward’s bright opening months now risk disruption after he was forced off inside the first 10 minutes of Egypt’s goalless draw against Burkina Faso in FIFA World Cup qualifying.

Early reports in Egypt had suggested that the player’s issue may not be serious, with national team staff noting optimism that he could recover swiftly, with the player seen smiling with teammates after the contest, offering encouragement that a lengthy setback could be avoided.

Now, as per photographs shared by journalist Ismael Mahmoud, Omar Marmoush has arrived back in Cairo with the Egyptian national team aided by the support of crutches following his knee injury sustained in the opening exchanges of the eventual 0-0 draw with Burkina Faso.

The images will come as a concern to Pep Guardiola and his staff, particularly given Manchester City’s current reliance on maintaining depth in forward areas.

With Erling Haaland continuing to carry the bulk of the goalscoring burden, and with Jeremy Doku and Savinho hoping for stronger output in terms of contributions in front of goal, Marmoush had been expected to provide valuable rotation options across a congested fixture schedule.

What happens next will depend largely on the outcome of further tests due to be conducted by both Egypt’s medical team and Manchester City’s own specialists upon his return to England.

A minor issue could see him back in contention within weeks, but a more severe diagnosis would leave Pep Guardiola with limited attacking alternatives heading into crucial Premier League and UEFA Champions League fixtures.