Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will have his fingers firmly crossed that none of his international contingent add to a lengthy City injury list over the coming hours.
The Blues are in the midst of an injury crisis that has hampered their season to date with a host of players currently sidelined. There is optimism that the return of the Premier League will see a return of some senior stars but there remains plenty of doubt around others.
City have Croatian pair Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic in action tonight, while Ederson and Savinho (Brazil) and Stefan Ortega (Germany) also still have fixtures to play this week. Here’s the latest from the Etihad treatment room.
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Phil Foden
Injury: Fitness issues
What we know: Foden was one of several players to withdraw from the England squad, MEN Sport understands it is simply a fitness issue rather than anything more serious.
Potential return date: Tottenham (H) November 23
Matheus Nunes
Injury: Fitness issues
What we know: Nunes withdrew from the Portugal squad having featured regularly on the left in recent weeks for City. MEN Sport understands his absence is also fitness related rather than anything more concerning.
Potential return date: Tottenham (H) November 23
Jeremy Doku
Injury: Unknown
What we know: Doku missed the defeat at Brighton with what is understood to be a fresh injury. City will hope it is not a serious problem and that he can recover in the international break.
Potential return date: Tottenham (H) November 23
Nathan Ake
Injury: Fitness issues
What we know: The defender was an unused sub at Brighton having reported a fitness issue. He’s not in the Netherlands squad for their international fixtures and should be fit to return after the break.
Potential return date: Tottenham (H) November 23
Manuel Akanji
Injury: Abductor
What we know: Similar to Ake, the Switzerland international was not fit enough to feature at Brighton and remained on the bench. Another who will benefit from a two week break having pulled out of his national team squad with what was described as an abductor issue.
Potential return date: Tottenham (H) November 23
John Stones
Injury: Foot
What we know: Stones is sidelined with a plantar fasciitis foot issue. He has been left out of the England squad and is pencilled in for a return after the international break.
Potential return date: Tottenham (H) November 23
Ruben Dias
Injury: Muscular
What we know: Dias was replaced at half time in the cup tie at Spurs and it’s hopeful he will return after the international break.
Potential return date: Tottenham (H) November 23
Jack Grealish
Injury: Unknown
What we know: The winger picked up an injury in training ahead of the Champions League tie with Sparta Prague and then pulled out of the England squad having initially surprisingly been selected.
Potential return date: Tottenham (H) November 23
Rodri
Injury: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
What we know: Rodri has sustained a serious knee injury and will be out until the middle of next year. He has spoken of his desire to play again this season, possibly in the Club World Cup.
Potential return date: June 2025
Oscar Bobb
Injury: Fractured Leg
What we know: The Norwegian suffered his leg break in August and he is now in a race against the clock to come back before the end of the year. The hope is that Bobb will play some part over the festive period.
Potential return date: December
