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Pep Guardiola has warned that Manchester City will “struggle” to overcome an escalating injury crisis, urging his squad to rally as they prepare for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Sporting Lisbon. City travel to Portugal with a depleted squad following back-to-back losses to Tottenham and Bournemouth, which ended their impressive 11-month unbeaten streak in the Premier League.
Rodri’s season-ending knee injury leads a long list of absentees, including Oscar Bobb, Ruben Dias, Jack Grealish, and John Stones. Although Kevin De Bruyne may return, Guardiola hinted he’s unlikely to start, while Kyle Walker, Nathan Ake, and Jeremy Doku are also dealing with fitness issues.
“You know the situation with Rodri, nominated the best player in the world. We know we will struggle, and we have to accept that, and it is fine,” Guardiola said on Monday. “The games will be difficult; in previous seasons it was smooth. Personal reasons, injuries, we won six Premier Leagues in seven years. Things change, we have to accept that.”
Sporting’s manager, Ruben Amorim, will face Guardiola just before assuming his new role as Manchester United’s boss. Both sides are tied at seven points in the new Champions League format, setting up a crucial match in Lisbon.
