Man City injury update: Jack Grealish, Manuel Akanji and Nico Gonzalez latest news and return dates | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola’s side suffer defeat in Champions League showdown with Real Madrid

Manchester City were dealt a double injury blow during their Champions League knockout phase play-off first-leg defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday.

Pep Guardiola’s side fell to a 3-2 defeat despite leading twice and finished the game without Jack Grealish and Manuel Akanji as they both limped off.

Losing Grealish and Akanji were major concerns for City as focus shifts to Saturday’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United as well as the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ahead of that showdown at the Etihad, here’s a look at the latest Man City injuries…

Jack Grealish had to be substituted after 30 minutes against Real Madrid and appeared to be holding his groin after being replaced by Phil Foden.

Speaking after the game, Guardiola wasn’t sure about the extent of the injury but admits the attacking midfielder is a doubt for City’s next two games.

“I don't know yet, but if they have gone out for muscular reasons, maybe they will not be there,” the Man City boss told reporters.

Potential return date: Unknown

Manuel Akanji

Man City’s second major injury blow occurred late in the first-half as Manuel Akanji was clearly in discomfort an had to be replaced by Rico Lewis at the break.

As per Guardiola’s aforementioned comments, the Switzerland international is now doubtful for games against Newcastle and Real Madrid.

Potential return date: Unknown

Concern: Manuel Akanji

AFP via Getty Images

Nico Gonzalez

Nico Gonzalez came off in the first-half on his debut against Leyton Orient last weekend having been brought down seconds before Orient went ahead.

Guardiola said afterwards that the midfielder “could not continue”, though he was reportedly spotted among the rest of the City substitutes after getting treatment.

The midfielder was fit enough to be named on the bench against Real Madrid and that is a clear indication that his injury wasn’t too serious.

Potential return date: Saturday 15 February 2025 vs Newcastle

Rodri

Rodri underwent surgery on a serious knee injury back in September and was not expected to play again this season.

But the Spain international has been included in City’s squad for the knockout phase of the Champions League, sparking hopes he could make a comeback.

Guardiola insists there is no pressure on him to return this season.

Potential return date: Summer 2025

Jeremy Doku

Like Ake, Jeremy Doku was in contention to start against Orient but did not make the squad.

Potential return date: February 2025

Oscar Bobb

Oscar Bobb had been back in training of late after a leg injury that has seen him miss the entire season thus far.

But the forward is said to have gone over on his ankle in the build-up to the Orient game in a setback for Guardiola.

While the issue is not thought to be serious, his return date is unclear.