A quick turnaround for the Manchester City squad, as they return to action to host Burnley in match day 20. A look at who is out for the match.
A disappointing result for Manchester City to close out the year, they will be glad to get back onto the pitch quickly. After Arsenal and Tottenham’s wins on Sunday, City slid to 5th place. Meanwhile Burnley sit in 11th place, only four points out of 7th spot.
Feeling great after their 4-1 victory over Sunderland, City will need to be weary of the Clarets. The last time Burnley played at the Etihad, City led 2-0 before they came back to earn a 2-2 draw. With a quick turnaround, squad rotation is expected, but there are four players who will definitely miss the action.
Leroy Sane
After being a late miss for the squad for the Liverpool match, Sane’s knock appears serious enough to keep him out another game. Listed as unlikely by the club, Sane could see a return to action on Friday against West Ham in the FA Cup if training goes well this weekend. Likely Replacement: Not a typically starter yet, but Sterling occupies this role for now.
Vincent Kompany
This had been the target date for Kompany to return from his knee injury. However, that will not be the case, with the boss confirming Vincent is still out for Burley. With the Premier League going on a break after this match, he will likely get another two week break. A new target return will be Everton on January 15th. Likely Replacement: Nicolas Otamendi.
Fabian Delph
Listed as doubtful during Pep’s press conference, he should miss even the bench for Monday’s match. If fit, next weekend’s FA Cup match against West Ham United would be a great chance for Delph to return to the squad and prove his value to the team. Likely Replacement: Not needed, as he hasn’t featured enough to even position him.
Next: Combined Best XI: Manchester City vs. Burnley
Ilkay Gundogan
Suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury that will keep Ilkay out until at least the start of the 2017/18 season. His surgery went well, as he reported out via his Instagram account. If things progress well, we could hope to have him back with the squad in late summer or early fall. Likely Replacement: With Fernandinho back, Yaya Toure is the likely replacement in the second role moving forward.