Man City Injury Update: Confirmed Latest on Erling Haaland, John Stones and More | OneFootball

Manchester City Injury Round-Up: Erling Haaland and John Stones Recovery Latest

As Manchester City continue their pursuit of Champions League football, the injury situation is showing signs of steady, if not spectacular, improvement. A 2-0 win away at Everton provided not just three points but a sense of calm on the medical front, with no fresh additions to the treatment table. That, in itself, is no small triumph given the demands of the run-in.

This is a squad that’s been stretched thin by both injuries and the unrelenting schedule, and Pep Guardiola knows better than most how precarious a tightrope it can be between rotation and resilience.

Positive Signs Amidst the Pressure

Saturday’s victory at Goodison Park was more of a grind than a gala, with City having to wait until the 84th minute for the breakthrough. Young Nico O’Reilly made the decisive impact before Mateo Kovačić added gloss in stoppage time. It was a match that tested patience, but also showcased City’s growing squad depth—something that may prove vital in the final stretch.

More importantly, the match marked the return of Manuel Akanji, featuring for the first time since the Champions League clash with Real Madrid in February. He came on late, replacing Kevin De Bruyne, signalling a return to action at a crucial time.

Photo IMAGO

Phil Foden, who had been sidelined with a foot injury suffered in the goalless Manchester Derby, was also back among the substitutes. Although he didn’t feature, his presence alone was encouraging as City look to navigate their congested fixture list.

Erling Haaland Still a Question Mark

The lingering uncertainty surrounds Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker, who suffered an ankle injury following a rough challenge from Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook, remains unavailable. Guardiola has yet to provide a definitive timeline for his return, leaving fans to speculate on when their talisman will be back in full flight.

Haaland’s absence is always felt—his physicality and finishing are unrivalled in City’s setup—but the side have managed to cope, for now. The lack of a concrete update, however, raises questions about whether the club are being cautious or if the injury is more troublesome than initially thought. With the Premier League entering its decisive phase, his return could be the difference-maker

Photo: IMAGO

John Stones and Ederson Updates Offer Mixed Picture

There was also no sign of John Stones, whose season has been hampered by recurring muscular issues. Prior to the Everton clash, Guardiola was asked about Stones and Nathan Aké, and his response was typically brief: “Not yet. Getting better but not yet.” It’s a statement that offers neither comfort nor concern, merely underlining the slow pace of recovery.

Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson is another key absentee. A groin injury picked up in the 5-1 thrashing of Crystal Palace saw him miss the Everton match, though Stefan Ortega deputised admirably, keeping a clean sheet and making two sharp saves. Ortega’s performance ensures there’s no rush, but City will still want their No.1 back as soon as possible, especially with fixtures coming thick and fast.

Photo IMAGO

Recovery vs Reality in City’s UCL Race

City’s elimination from all cup competitions may have reduced the fixture volume slightly, but there’s no escaping the intensity of the Premier League. With Aston Villa visiting the Etihad just two days after the Everton match, Guardiola is walking a fine line between maintaining momentum and managing minutes.

The returns of Akanji and Foden are welcome steps in the right direction. Yet with Erling Haaland and John Stones still sidelined and Ederson working his way back to full fitness, City fans will be hoping the current squad can weather the storm just a little longer.

As it stands, the focus remains on results—and on keeping the squad intact as long as possible.