Guardiola admits Man City struggles hinge on injuries as derby looms

Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that Manchester City will struggle to recapture their peak form until his injury-hit squad is fully fit again. The City boss is preparing for Sunday’s Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium after a dismal run of one win in 10 games across all competitions.

A 2-0 Champions League defeat at Juventus on Wednesday has left City’s knockout-stage hopes in jeopardy. Meanwhile, in the Premier League, they sit fourth, eight points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

Guardiola attributed the team’s decline to the absence of key players, most notably Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. The Spanish midfielder, who helped Spain to Euro 2024 glory, is sidelined with a ruptured ACL in his right knee and is not expected to return for several months.

“What I want is my players back, the complete squad we had at the beginning of the season,” Guardiola said on Friday. “Rodri is a Ballon d’Or player. The moment he comes back, we will be strong again.”

Despite City’s struggles, Guardiola dismissed suggestions of major January signings but did not rule out reinforcements. Adding to his woes, Swiss defender Manuel Akanji has been ruled out of the derby with a pelvic injury.

Guardiola, who recently signed a two-year contract extension, remains optimistic. “We just have to keep working and moving forward,” he said.

(Source: AFP)