Man City’s Injury List Grows Before Midweek Spurs Showdown | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Injury Woes Continue as Tottenham Test Looms

Manchester City find themselves in a race against time as they prepare for a crucial midweek clash against Tottenham Hotspur, with the availability of Erling Haaland still uncertain. The Norwegian striker has been nursing a knee injury since February 15, missing both the Real Madrid fixture and the 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.

Haaland’s Fitness Battle

Pep Guardiola remains in the dark over Haaland’s condition, with the prolific forward yet to fully recover despite scans showing no significant damage.

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“I don’t know,” Guardiola admitted post-Liverpool. “I would like to know, but I don’t know. His knee – the moment against Newcastle moved the knee. Apparently, he’s not injured because the scans dictate that he’s fine, but he didn’t feel fine.

Haaland trained on Monday, showing flashes of sharpness, but remains hesitant about his readiness. “I have the feeling it will be soon because he trained yesterday and made some really good movements, but he said he was not ready and we have to respect that. Hopefully, he can be back for Spurs and the next games to help us.”

Tactical Dilemmas in Haaland’s Absence

Without Haaland, City struggled for attacking fluency at Anfield, with Phil Foden deployed as a false nine but failing to impose himself on the game. Guardiola may consider a more traditional centre-forward approach, with Omar Marmoush emerging as an option.

Midfield adjustments could also be on the cards. Kevin De Bruyne had a subdued performance against Liverpool and may be rotated, with Bernardo Silva or Ilkay Gundogan available to step in. Meanwhile, Ruben Dias, who featured as a substitute at Anfield, is likely to start in north London, potentially at the expense of Abdukodir Khusanov.

Defensive Concerns Mounting

City’s injury problems extend beyond Haaland. John Stones is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a thigh injury that may require surgery, while Manuel Akanji is already ruled out for two months following an operation. Rodri is another absentee, leaving Guardiola with fewer options in key areas as the title race intensifies.

Predicted Man City XI:

Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Gonzalez; Savinho, Gundogan, Foden, Doku, Haaland (if fit)

Injured:

Akanji, Stones, Rodri

Match Details:

📅 Date & Time: Wednesday, February 26 – 7:30 PM GMT🏟 Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium📺 TV & Live Stream: TNT Sports

As City battle injury setbacks, all eyes remain on Haaland’s recovery. His return could be the boost Guardiola’s side needs, but his absence would leave them vulnerable in a crucial phase of the campaign.