Man City injury latest: Erling Haaland, John Stones and more | OneFootball

Man City injury latest as Guardiola juggles fatigue and fitness

Manchester City’s season has reached the point where the injury bulletin matters almost as much as the fixture list. Pep Guardiola has rarely had the luxury of continuity this term, particularly in defence, and the knock on effects are beginning to shape selection, strategy and even psychology as City head into a decisive period.

The surprise last weekend was not the scoreline, a controlled 2-0 win over Wolves, but the teamsheet. Erling Haaland, the league’s most relentless scorer, was named among the substitutes. In his place came Omar Marmoush, fresh back from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Egypt. It prompted murmurs around the Etihad, quickly followed by explanation.

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There were also lingering concerns over Phil Foden, who had broken his hand in the Manchester derby defeat two weeks earlier. He played on regardless, both in the Champions League and against Wolves, sporting protective strapping and a familiar sense of determination. It summed up City’s current reality, improvisation layered on top of excellence.

Guardiola’s injury list remains extensive, particularly at the back. The January signing of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace was intended to ease that pressure, while Max Alleyne’s recall from Watford added youthful cover. Even so, City remain stretched as they approach a huge Champions League fixture against Galatasaray, knowing defeat earlier in the competition has left them 11th in the table and outside the automatic qualification places.

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Victory at the Etihad is required, and even then City will need results elsewhere to climb back into the top eight. Against that backdrop, every update on fitness feels magnified.

Haaland rest sparks questions and answers

There was no disguising the curiosity when Haaland’s name appeared on the bench against Wolves. The striker had played the full 90 minutes in the shock defeat by Bodo/Glimt in midweek, and Guardiola opted for caution rather than compulsion.

When pressed on the decision, the City manager was candid. “There are a lot of games,” he said. “I want to, a little bit, clean his mind, his body. The selection is always because I believe that for today it is the best.”

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Haaland entered the contest with 17 minutes remaining, but did not trouble the scorers. It felt less like a warning sign than a calculated pause, Guardiola choosing to manage exhaustion rather than react to it.

Potential return date: January 28 vs Galatasaray (H)

Defensive absences stretch resources

Josko Gvardiol’s injury has been the most damaging. The Croatian broke his leg against Chelsea on New Year’s Day and has not featured since. City confirmed he required surgery on a broken tibia, but updates have been sparse, suggesting a lengthy absence.

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His unavailability has compounded existing problems. With Ruben Dias and John Stones also sidelined, Guardiola has been left patching together solutions rather than selecting combinations. He acknowledged the scale of the issue earlier this month. “Without John, without Ruben, without Josko, we’re in a difficult situation [defensively] not for one game, but for a long, long period,” he said. “Ruben will be back soon, John, hopefully we’ll see, but Josko, no.”

Dias himself was withdrawn as a precaution late on in the draw with Chelsea, replaced by Nathan Ake. Guardiola admitted afterwards that his condition was “not good”, later confirming a hamstring injury. There is optimism that his return will not be far away, but City have learned to treat such timelines with care.

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Stones remains more uncertain. Absent since the dramatic 5-4 win at Fulham in December, he has been nursing a thigh injury. On New Year’s Eve, Guardiola suggested the defender could be out for “many months”, though his tone softened ahead of the derby, hinting there was “hope” of a return sooner rather than later.

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Potential return dates:Gvardiol: UnknownDias: February 11 vs Fulham (H)Stones: Unknown

Midfield and wide options nearing relief

Further forward, the picture is marginally brighter. Savinho is among those expected back sooner rather than later. The Brazilian winger has been sidelined with a quad injury since the goalless draw with Sunderland over the New Year. His absence forced City into the market, prompting the purchase of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth to bolster attacking depth.

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Guardiola has offered little by way of fresh detail, but earlier indicated Savinho would be missing for at least six weeks, placing his return somewhere in February.

Nico Gonzalez’s situation has been more frustrating. The Spaniard filled in admirably for Rodri earlier in the season, but now finds himself struggling with his own injury. Withdrawn against Sunderland, he returned quickly against Brighton, only for that comeback to prove premature. He has not played since, though Guardiola confirmed last week that there is growing hope of a return in the coming days.

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Oscar Bobb’s absence has been harder to define. The young winger was forced off after 20 minutes against Brentford in the Carabao Cup and missed the Sunderland fixture as a result. It was initially thought he could return against Manchester United, but Guardiola clarified on January 9. “He has not trained since the game against Brentford,” he said.

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Bobb has also been linked with a move away from the Etihad, adding another layer of uncertainty. A return at Tottenham in early February remains possible, if he stays.

Mateo Kovacic, meanwhile, is City’s longest absentee. The Croatian underwent ankle surgery in November and is progressing through rehabilitation, with March pencilled in as a realistic target.

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Potential return dates:Savinho: February 2026Gonzalez: January 28 vs Galatasaray (H)Bobb: February 1 vs Tottenham (A)Kovacic: March 14 vs West Ham (A)

Balancing caution with necessity

City’s injury list reads like a test of Guardiola’s adaptability. The manager has spoken often about rhythm and repetition, yet this season has demanded constant recalibration. Fatigue, as much as fitness, has become a factor, explaining decisions such as Haaland’s rest and the careful handling of Foden.

With the Champions League hanging in the balance, City need bodies back as much as belief. The return of key figures over the coming weeks will shape not only their European fate but the wider narrative of a campaign defined by disruption rather than dominance.

For now, Guardiola continues to juggle, trusting that patience and planning will eventually be rewarded.