New Delhi: Like most Premier League matchdays, this matchday is headlined by a marquee clash as well with Ange Postecoglu’s Tottenham Hotspur travelling to the Etihad stadium to take on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. The hosts head into the game at their most vulnerable having lost their last four games in all competitions, including their last two league games as well.
This run of poor form for Pep’s side began with a 2-1 loss at the hands of Spurs in their EFL cup clash back on Halloween night. City will be out for revenge against a side that has been somewhat of a bogey team for them in recent years but the game is expected to see a number of absentees, leaving both sides short on strength. As many as 18 players could be out for both sides for the Saturday night clash!
Manchester City’s rising injury concerns
Pep Guardiola’s squad has been riddled with injuries all season and his injury list is extensive, with notable absences that could heavily influence the contest. Mateo Kovacic will definitely miss out after suffering an injury during international duty with Croatia, while Ruben Dias is sidelined with a muscle setback. Rodri’s season-ending injury further compounds City’s midfield challenges, and Oscar Bobb is still recovering from a fractured leg sustained earlier in the campaign.
Manchester City’s injury list 😱
(h/t @TheCityRamble) pic.twitter.com/JtdJRjf99P
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) November 1, 2024
The defensive trio of John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Ake are also a doubt for the Cityzens even though they resumed training this week. Guardiola remains cautious, though, about their readiness. “It’s possible they will be in the squad, but we will decide closer to the game,” he remarked during pre-match press duties. Even if the trio is able to start, Pep isn’t extremely sure whether they would be able to last the entire 90 minutes.
City’s attacking options are also in question. Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, both of whom withdrew from England duty due to injuries, are yet to reach full fitness, leaving their participation uncertain. Matheus Nunes missed out on representing Portugal due to fitness concerns, while Jeremy Doku picked up a fresh knock before the international break, casting further doubt over his availability. Injury concerns for mounting for the Catalan and he would need to come up with ways to deal with it and not succumb to a fifth straight defeat tonight.
Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive woes
Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham face a particularly challenging situation, especially in defense, coming up against one of the best strikers in the world. Both of his first-choice center-backs are ruled out for the trip to Manchester. Cristian Romero withdrew early from Argentina’s squad due to injury, while Micky Van de Ven’s hamstring issue, sustained against City in their League Cup meeting, is set to keep him out until mid-December.
Midfield depth is also a concern. Rodrigo Bentancur remains sidelined, serving a seven-match ban after using a racial slur against Son Heung-min. Spurs are appealing the length of the suspension, but he is unavailable for this weekend. Richarlison is out until early 2025 following surgery, and Wilson Odobert faces an even longer absence after undergoing hamstring surgery.
So to recap on #thfc’s long list of injuries ahead of City away… 🤕
▪️ Romero out but hopeful for next week
▪️ Micky back mid-December
▪️ Odobert will miss ‘fair chunk’ of season
▪️ Richarlison back in New Year
▪️ Moore still feeling his virus
We can’t catch a break. 🥲 pic.twitter.com/1CvdCRYbMd
— Spurs Army (@SpursArmyTweets) November 22, 2024
Youngster Mikey Moore, who has been battling a virus, will have a last-minute fitness assessment, while Timo Werner’s status remains unclear after missing the Ipswich defeat with a knock. The injury troubles leave Postecoglou with limited options as he looks to prevent a third consecutive defeat. With both sides looking desperately for a win, this is sure to be an exciting encounter even the teams are forced to play their reserve squads this weekend.
Both teams head into the game with weakened squads, making it a test of tactical acumen and depth. For Guardiola and Postecoglou, managing their squads effectively and adapting to the absences will be as critical as the on-field execution. With so much at stake, Saturday’s match promises drama and intensity, even if some of the biggest names are watching from the sidelines.
Nine players for both sides are confirmed to miss the clash and the number could rise up to a whopping 18 if more players are ruled unable to take part in the game. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
