Injuries have affected the City squad but they will rise to the challenge

There is no doubt that injuries have affected the Manchester City squad in recent weeks. Following the last international break, Nathan Ake, Kevin De Bruyne, and Rodri have all joined Oscar Bobb on City’s injury list. Losing each player has been a blow for Pep Guardiola’s side. But going forward it is expected that the City squad will rise to the challenge posed by the absence of several key players.

It was clear during Manchester City’s 1-all draw with Newcastle what effect losing key players has had on City’s play. Pep Guardiola’s side looked devoid of creativity in midfield in the absence of Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne. That was the obvious toll of losing two pieces of City’s engine room. You could also mount an argument that if fit Oscar Bobb could’ve made a difference on Saturday. But he isn’t available and won’t be for the foreseeable future, so that is a moot point. So the absence of key players is something the entire Manchester City squad must overcome as a team.

Speaking after Manchester City’s draw with Newcastle Pep Guardiola said that his team had shown in previous seasons that they can overcome the absence of key players. Guardiola is calm about City’s injury situation and has full faith in his squad to overcome it. He said: “During seven or eight years we handle it. Nine years, I would say, as it’s my ninth season here. It’s always been like that. The same. No change. This season, we have a long, long injuries list, especially with Oscar and with Rodri for a long, long time that is completely different from the past, but the schedules are the same.”

The Manchester City squad will have to adapt and overcome the loss of key players this season. They have no choice in the matter. It is the card they have been dealt and it is the one they must play with. There is no doubt that the loss of key players has upset the rhythm of the City squad. But as Pep Guardiola told the media it is a challenge they overcome before. They must now do so again starting tomorrow night against Slovan Bratislava.