Three Man City stars set to mis Villarreal clash through injury | OneFootball

Man City injury update as Guardiola manages key player recoveries

Mixed fitness news for Man City after Everton victory

Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Everton at the Etihad Stadium brought three returns but left Pep Guardiola with lingering concerns over three more important absentees. Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush and Mateo Kovacic were all back in the matchday squad, with the latter two featuring from the bench as City continued their strong domestic form.

Photo IMAGO

For Guardiola, this was a much-needed boost ahead of a demanding stretch that includes Premier League, Champions League and domestic cup commitments. “We need everyone fit and available. The schedule will test the squad,” Guardiola is understood to have told staff privately.

Photo IMAGO

Kovacic, making his first appearance since August, slotted in seamlessly during the second half, showing the composure that made him one of City’s key midfield additions. Cherki also returned to action, while Marmoush remained an unused substitute. Yet, the focus quickly shifted to those still sidelined, with Rodri, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Abdukodir Khusanov all missing from the squad list.

Photo IMAGO

Rodri recovery remains under close watch

Rodri’s absence continues to cause concern within the club. The midfielder picked up a hamstring issue during the game against Brentford and subsequently withdrew from Spain’s international squad. Speaking after the incident, he tried to allay fears by telling Sky Sports: “I felt a little bit in the hamstring, but it seems as though it’s not that much. I stretched a bit, like in the final of the Euros. But the most important thing is it’s not that big.”

Photo IMAGO

Those words offered reassurance, but Guardiola has since taken a cautious stance, aware of the player’s previous long-term injury issues. “I don’t know [how long he will be out]. Not yet. Not ready for tomorrow,” the manager said before the Everton game.

City are in no rush to bring Rodri back prematurely, especially given his importance in midfield. His absence is felt not only in defensive transitions but also in dictating tempo. The expectation is that he will not feature for at least another week, with a potential return pencilled in for early November.

Potential return date: November 2025

Ait-Nouri nearing return to full fitness

Rayan Ait-Nouri’s recovery is progressing positively, though he was again left out of the Everton squad. The Algerian full-back has been sidelined since August with an ankle injury picked up against Tottenham. Guardiola confirmed on Friday that both Ait-Nouri and Marmoush were “much, much better” after returning to full training.

“They are close to coming back,” he added, signalling that Ait-Nouri’s return is imminent. While he was not risked against Everton, he could make the bench either in midweek for the Champions League fixture away to Villarreal or in the league clash with Aston Villa on 26 October.

Photo @ManCity on X

The full-back’s return will be welcome news given his attacking thrust and ability to stretch opposition defences. His energy and recovery speed have been missed, particularly against teams who sit deep and counter quickly.

Potential return date: October 26, 2025 vs Aston Villa (a)

Khusanov’s slower recovery concerns staff

Abdukodir Khusanov’s situation has proven more complex. The Uzbekistan international was withdrawn at half-time during City’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal in September with a suspected ankle injury. Initially, Guardiola had expected him to miss three matches, but that timeline has now extended to five without a new update from the club.

Photo IMAGO

Khusanov missed his national team’s friendlies against Uruguay and Kuwait and has not featured in recent training footage released by Sky Sports. While his recovery is ongoing, there is hope he could return for the upcoming Villa fixture, depending on medical assessments later this week.

City have managed well in his absence, but Guardiola will be eager to have his defensive options fully available as the season intensifies.

Potential return date: October 26, 2025 vs Aston Villa (a)