Man Metropolis Going through Damage Considerations as Guardiola Awaits Rodri and Khusanov Returns
Manchester Metropolis’s nine-match unbeaten run got here to a irritating halt on Sunday as they fell 1-0 to Aston Villa at Villa Park. Matty Money’s Nineteenth-minute strike proved decisive, with Pep Guardiola’s facet unable to search out an equaliser regardless of dominating possession and possibilities. Erling Haaland endured a uncommon off day in entrance of aim, compounding a disappointing afternoon for the Premier League champions.
Commercial
Damage Setbacks Proceed for Guardiola’s Squad
Whereas the outcome was a setback, the main target shortly shifted to health considerations forward of Metropolis’s upcoming Carabao Cup tie away at Swansea Metropolis. Guardiola has needed to navigate a troublesome interval marked by accidents to a number of key gamers, most notably Rodri and Abdukodir Khusanov.
The constructive information is that Nico Gonzalez has recovered from a minor knock, coming off the bench towards Villa to mark his return. Nevertheless, the absence of Rodri, a significant cog in Guardiola’s midfield machine, continues to pose a major downside.
Rodri’s Restoration Timeline Stays Unclear
Rodri has been sidelined since struggling a problem after simply 22 minutes towards Brentford in Manchester Metropolis’s remaining fixture earlier than the October worldwide break. The Spaniard subsequently missed Spain’s World Cup qualifiers towards Georgia and Bulgaria, in addition to Metropolis’s clashes with Everton, Villarreal and Aston Villa.
Commercial
Talking earlier than the journey to Villa Park, Guardiola defined that his midfield basic was not able to return.
“The fellows who weren’t ready [to play] towards Villareal are nonetheless not prepared,” the Spaniard mentioned.
Photograph IMAGO
Metropolis’s medical employees are adopting a cautious strategy, cautious of aggravating the issue given Rodri’s heavy workload in latest seasons. His presence has lengthy been synonymous with management and stability in midfield, attributes Metropolis have noticeably lacked in latest outings. With no agency return date confirmed, Guardiola might should proceed rotating his midfield choices within the quick time period.
Commercial
Khusanov Edging Nearer however Nonetheless Sidelined
Abdukodir Khusanov’s state of affairs mirrors that of his teammate. The Uzbekistan worldwide has been out since being pressured off at half-time within the 1-1 draw towards Arsenal final month. Initially anticipated to overlook three video games, the 21-year-old has now sat out seven in a row.
Guardiola stays optimistic however is unwilling to take dangers with the younger defender’s restoration.
“I feel he’s shut however he’s nonetheless not prepared from having an damage in a harmful, harmful place in his physique,” Guardiola advised reporters on Friday.
As Metropolis put together for a demanding fixture schedule throughout a number of competitions, managing the health of gamers like Rodri and Khusanov will probably be key. Each are integral to Guardiola’s system, providing composure, tactical intelligence and stability on the pitch.
Metropolis followers will hope their supervisor’s endurance pays off, as their depth and self-discipline will probably be examined within the weeks forward.