Manchester City’s midfield crisis has deepened as both Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic join Rodri on the injury list ahead of the Premier League season. Pep Guardiola confirmed that Kovacic could be sidelined until October with an achilles problem, leaving the champions scrambling for solutions in the No.6 role. Foden’s setback further adds to Guardiola’s early-season selection headache.
Kovacic ruled out until October with Achilles injuryRodri also sidelined, Foden suffers fresh injury setbackNico Gonzalez likely to start in deep midfield roleFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Manchester City will begin the season without two of their key midfielders in Foden and Kovacic, with Rodri also missing the first three league games due to a groin injury. Kovacic’s absence, originally expected to be brief, is now likely to stretch into October. Foden has also suffered a knock, leaving Guardiola short of senior midfield options. The Catalan tactician has now revealed his midfield plans for the start of the season.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT GUARDIOLA SAID
Speaking to the media about his options for the No. 6 position, Guardiola said: “We have three. Kova is injured until September or October, Rodri is coming back after six months and [we have] Nico [Gonzalez]. The others can play there but are more attacking, they like to be in the opposition’s box. Gundogan can play there and Tijji [Reinders] can play there but when everybody is fit their position is more up front.”
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Kovacic’s absence is particularly damaging as he would have been the ideal stopgap for Rodri’s absence. Nico Gonzalez, once dubbed “mini-Rodri” by Guardiola, could now get a chance to re-establish himself after falling out of favour at the end of last season. The situation may also push Guardiola to experiment with Gundogan or Reijnders in a deeper role.
WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?
Guardiola's side will face Wolverhampton, Tottenham, and Brighton without Rodri and Kovacic, meaning their midfield structure will be under the spotlight from day one. Gonzalez is likely to start in the No.6 position, with others filling in if needed. Guardiola will be hoping his key men return quickly to avoid the crisis deepening further.
