Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed concern over his team’s injury woes, which have been exacerbated by the recent addition of Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva to the growing list of sidelined players. Silva, who recently extended his contract with the club until 2026, was forced to leave the pitch before halftime during City’s 3-1 home victory over Red Star Belgrade in their Champions League opener on Tuesday.
Guardiola’s squad is already grappling with the absence of key players such as Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones, Jack Grealish, and Mateo Kovacic due to various injuries.
Reflecting on Silva’s condition, Guardiola stated, “He (Silva) didn’t say anything at the end. I didn’t speak with the doctors, but apparently, for the next games, he won’t be able to play.”
The Premier League leaders are scheduled to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday, with the aim of extending their winning streak to six matches. However, Guardiola is understandably concerned about the impact of having several key players sidelined simultaneously.
“We are in trouble but I am not going to say, ‘Oh, we have a lot of injuries,'” Guardiola explained to reporters. “When we have five important players – really, really important players – injured, to sustain that for a long time will be difficult. But it is what it is.”
Manchester City’s depth and resilience will be tested as they navigate a challenging period with numerous players unavailable due to injuries. Guardiola and his coaching staff will undoubtedly need to devise strategies to maintain the team’s impressive form while managing the ongoing injury crisis.
