Manchester City attacker seeking fresh start after admission on injury troubles | OneFootball

Oscar Bobb has delivered an honest verdict into the recurring injuries that have derailed his progress in the Manchester City first-team since last year.

The 21-year-old is one of the most exciting attacking prospects to have graduated from the City Football Academy, scoring a crucial, last-minute goal away at Newcastle to complete a turnaround in Manchester City’s 2023-24 Premier League winning campaign.

Bobb impressed in pre-season last year and produced a match-winning performance in Manchester City’s FA Community Shield win over Manchester United in August 2024. However, the Norway international suffered a leg break in training in the subsequent days.

Manchester City failed to win a fifth straight Premier League title last season and were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League at the Round of 16 stage by Real Madrid. Guardiola’s side also lost the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace in what was the final nail in what appeared like a very deep coffin for the usually all-encompassing Blues.

Bobb returned to training briefly in February, the attacker suffered a hamstring setback in the days leading to Manchester City’s 2-0 win away at Everton in April, which further delayed his long-awaited return to action.

After a lengthy spell on the sidelines, the Norwegian finally returned to the pitch when he was introduced off the bench in Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola has placed his faith in Bobb – one of many academy graduates currently part of the Manchester City first-team – and has taken the winger with him to the United States for the FIFA Club World Cup.

The young winger scored in Manchester City’s 6-0 rout of Al Ain on Sunday evening and has looked sharp as he looks to put his injury struggles behind him and become a regular starter in the coming season.

Speaking to the club’s official media channels about his road to recovery, Bobb said: “I think once I started running again, kicking the ball, training with the team, I was even happier than I’ve been before, so definitely (you appreciate it more).

“I think (the Club World Cup and the new season) will be a fresh start for me and for the team and I think from here on out. For me it’s great to be back. I feel very good and happy to be here, excited and it’s great to be with the team.

“It was tough at times but the club offered great support and I was always thinking of coming back stronger so it was all good. I came back around February and then got a bit overload and that kept me out for a few weeks.

“But then after that, I’ve been fine. Obviously getting the fitness back takes some time but now I feel great. It’s a fresh start for me and the team from here I think we can just build.”