Manchester City Injury Report- Pep Guardiola Rules Out Jack Grealish & Provides Update on Jeremy Doku Before Liverpool Game

Published 03/08/2024, 9:41 AM EST

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via Reuters

Manchester City easily boasts one of the strongest squads. As they chase a 4th consecutive league title, Pep Guardiola will want all his players available. But ahead of a potential title-deciding game against Liverpool, the Man City boss has shared important updates on injuries and key players.

Jack Grealish has been ruled out of tomorrow’s game since he “will not be fit.” However, there is hope for Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes, who will reportedly be assessed during Saturday’s training before the coach takes a call.

Jack Grealish suffered a groin injury last month against FC Copenhagen. But after returning from injury, he witnessed a recurrence, leading him to drop out in the 38th minute against Luton Town, a few days ago. Per the verdict, he will miss the game tomorrow. Reports even suggest he could be away till the international break is over.

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Meanwhile, Jeremy Doku was sidelined for the Champions League tie this week because of a muscle issue. Although it was claimed to be minor, Pep Guardiola did not want to risk him. If Grealish and Doku fail to make it to the squad, it will be interesting to see their replacement on the left wing. There is a possibility of Pep going with a two-striker setup, keeping Julian Alvarez as the second one.

Even though not a regular starter, Matheus Nunes had also sustained a hand injury in the UCL. Yet, it’s Grealish’s absence that will concern Pep the most. The England international scored against Liverpool last season, and Guardiola was expecting more from the player this time. Pep earlier stated, “At this high level, the team can’t wait for a player to get their rhythm”. However, the manager will look up to Erling Haaland as their go-to player.

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Pep Guardiola cites the importance of Erling Haaland for the rest of the season

Erling Haaland has been Manchester City’s top scorer this season with 29 goals, but the star has not hit his best after the ankle injury in December. During a press conference, Pep Guardiola said, “He is improving, he will have setbacks, he will improve again, have a setback and improve again. Two months is a long time for a guy who is so tall but step-by-step and I’m pretty sure that at the end of the season, he will help us a lot”.

via Imago

Haaland was out for nearly two months, but the club managed to go undefeated during that time. Standing up during the 23-year-old’s absence, players like Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez’s goals kept the team moving. Ultimately, despite all the injuries and setbacks, the Sky Blues still look strong with their squad depth, as Jose Mourinho also feels they could remain the favorites.

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Written by:

Ruthu

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Ruthu is a Soccer Writer at EssentiallySports. Growing up in a sporting background, he found a passion for soccer through the remarkable 2002 World Cup-winning Brazilian team. Ruthu brings an out-of-the-box perspective with writing, as he possesses the ability to view the game from different critical angles, a skill that sets apart a sports journalist.
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Edited by:

Daniel D'Cruz