Pep Guardiola reveals new injury blow to Manchester City’s attacking options | OneFootball

Manchester City have been left sweating on the fitness of Oscar Bobb following the Norwegian’s early withdrawal from action in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

The 22-year-old’s latest setback arrives at an inopportune moment for Pep Guardiola, with City entering a demanding phase of their season across both domestic and European competitions. While progression into the Carabao Cup semi-finals was secured, attention quickly shifted to Bobb’s condition after his brief involvement at the Etihad Stadium.

For Bobb, the timing is particularly frustrating with the winger having only recently returned to competitive action after missing much of the 2024/25 campaign due to a leg bone fracture sustained in the opening week of the Premier League season.

That injury halted momentum built during a standout pre-season tour in the United States last year, and Manchester City staff have since managed his minutes carefully since then.

The Carabao Cup tie itself was largely controlled by City, who weathered an energetic opening from Brentford before asserting dominance. A spectacular long-range effort from Rayan Cherki opened the scoring, with further chances created at both ends before Savinho’s deflected strike ensured Pep Guardiola’s side booked a two-legged semi-final clash with Newcastle United.

Now, as City already navigate a hectic winter period without Jeremy Doku and Omar Marmoush due to injury and international duty respectively, Oscar Bobb becomes the latest name to possibly be subjected to a spell on the sidelines.

The Norway international was forced to withdraw from the Carabao Cup quarter-final tie on Wednesday night against Brentford with an issue concerning his right leg inside 20 minutes, replaced by Phil Foden.

Speaking after the contest, Pep Guardiola revealed during his post-match press conference, “After 10, 15 minutes he [Oscar Bobb] complained about a muscular reason. Apparently it’s a muscular injury in the hamstring. Hopefully it’s not a big, big one and can be back soon.”

Medical staff are expected to assess Bobb in the coming days, with City hopeful the issue proves minor. However, any enforced absence would intensify scrutiny on Guardiola’s attacking rotations, particularly with key fixtures arriving in quick succession.

The development may also add another layer to recent speculation surrounding Bobb’s future. Reports earlier this week claimed Crystal Palace have been monitoring the winger ahead of January, though City’s stance has consistently been to demand a significant valuation.

Whether this injury curtails interest – or reinforces City’s preference to retain Bobb – remains to be seen. For now, Guardiola’s focus will be on managing an already-stretched attacking unit while hoping one of his most promising young talents avoids a prolonged spell out.