New Delhi: Manchester City’s difficult season took another bad turn as they faced League One side Leyton Orient in the FA Cup fourth round. With their Premier League title defence already fading and their Champions League campaign looking uncertain, City were desperate to avoid another setback. But things started badly at Gaughan Group Stadium when Jamie Donley scored a wonder goal to give the underdogs an early lead.
As if that wasn’t enough, Pep Guardiola was handed another major injury concern just minutes later. New £50 million signing Nico Gonzalez, making his debut after arriving from Porto on Deadline Day, was forced off injured only 20 minutes into the match. The Spaniard had been brought in to provide stability in midfield, with Mateo Kovacic rested entirely, but his first appearance in a City shirt ended in frustration. His exit now adds to Guardiola’s growing injury list ahead of a crucial Champions League tie against Real Madrid.
Another injury headache for Guardiola
🚨 The moment Nico Gonzalez was injured 🚨
— HM ⚽️ (@thehmnws) February 8, 2025
Gonzalez had started the game brightly, showing glimpses of his passing range and composure in midfield. But disaster struck when he collided with Leyton Orient winger Sonny Perkins in the buildup to the opening goal. The City man appeared to be fouled, but the referee waved play on, allowing Donley to launch an outrageous 40-yard strike that crashed in off the crossbar, leaving Stefan Ortega helpless.
Gonzalez, meanwhile, was left on the ground, clutching his hip. He tried to continue but was clearly in discomfort, eventually limping off to be replaced by Bernardo Silva. With Ederson, Jeremy Doku, and Oscar Bobb already sidelined, this latest injury is another major concern for Guardiola.
The timing couldn’t be worse, with City set to face Real Madrid in a crucial Champions League knockout tie in just a few days. Guardiola had hoped Gonzalez could fill the void in midfield, but now his availability is in doubt. At halftime, Leyton Orient still held their shock 1-0 lead, leaving City with a battle on their hands.
Nico Gonzalez’s Manchester City debut ended in frustration as the £50m signing limped off injured just 20 minutes into their FA Cup clash against Leyton Orient, adding to Guardiola’s growing injury concerns. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
