Manchester City injury news: Players out, potential return dates, predicted lineup for Sunderland Premier League clash

Rodri has finally returned from injury!

With a run of eight victories in all competitions, Manchester City have cemented their challenge for honours on all fronts.

As the Premier League nears its midway point, Pep Guardiola’s team is Arsenal’s closest opponent. They have advanced to the Carabao Cup semifinals and are well-positioned for a top-eight finish in the UEFA Champions League League phase.

Key midfielder Rodri rejoined the squad for the 2-1 victory at Nottingham Forest on December 27 after suffering his most recent setback. In contrast to their mid-season slump last year, City have been able to minimise significant injury absences.

This is their injury list, when players are expected to return, and their anticipated starting lineup for the upcoming game.

Manchester City injury update

Jeremy Doku

• Injury: Muscular
• Expected return date: January 1

Doku had an amazing first few months of this season and made an impression against Real Madrid, but he ended that game with a muscular issue.

Although he hasn’t played since, the Belgian winger might be able to make a comeback to the matchday squad for the trip to Sunderland on New Year’s Day.

Also Read: Arsenal injury news: Players out, potential return dates, predicted lineup for Aston Villa Premier League clash

Oscar Bobb

• Injury: Hamstring
• Expected return date: January

Bobb was City’s primary option on the right wing at the beginning of the season, but he has since lost favour. A hamstring injury prevented him from playing in the Carabao Cup quarterfinal against Brentford.

Although the Norway winger was recently linked to a transfer away from City with the club’s alleged pursuit of Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, a return at some time in January is anticipated.

John Stones

• Injury: Leg
• Expected return date: January 1

Stones, an England defender, has played sparingly in the Premier League this season, but until the December trip to Real Madrid, he had played in four of five Champions League games.

He hasn’t played since coming on in midfield during the 5-4 victory at Fulham on December 2. Stones was anticipated to make a comeback at some point over the holiday games, but he is now recovering from an unidentified leg injury.

Mateo Kovacic

• Injury: Heel/ankle
• Expected return date: February/March 2026

Kovacic, a midfielder for Croatia, experienced a major setback after having Achilles surgery during the summer. Guardiola declared the former Chelsea star will be “out for a while” following the team’s 3-1 victory over Bournemouth on November 2.

“He still has a problem with the ankle, a little calcification still there. We’ll wait on him for the last part of the season,” 

Manchester City predicted lineup

Formation (4-3-2-1): Donnarumma (GK); Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Silva, Nico, Reijnders; Cherki, Foden; Haaland

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