The Manchester City injury report is in. With two expected players out, one more faces a late fitness test, while the debut of Gabriel remains open.
After the surprising, and somewhat deflating, loss to Everton, Manchester City have the chance to rebound this weekend. At home welcoming Tottenham, if City can win they will be considered back in the title race, even as many points out as they are. One positive is the injury report. Finally gone are the repeating weeks of Kompany and Delph joined by a few others.
In addition, the squad and fans get a boost as Gabriel Jesus has completed his transfer. The club confirmed on Thursday that his paperwork is done and is in contention for a place in the side this weekend. Given the anticipation for Gabriel, and their need for attack on Saturday, I would expect him on the bench.
On the injury/absences, things mostly stay the same from the last match.
Fernando
He apparently picked up a knock during training and now will be a last minute decision. Fernando will under a fitness test on Friday to determine if he is cleared for a squad position Saturday. Considering the last two players in this list, his absence could be costly. Replacement: Perhaps Kevin De Bruyne, with Delph or Sane playing out wide.
Fernandinho
Fernandinho’s latest red card keeps him out until February 5th. The depth at his position in the squad at the current moment makes his reckless fouls cost City even more now. While he has great quality and starter the EPL season off as the player who played the most consecutive minutes, the team can’t afford to go down to ten men in key matches. Likely Replacement: Yaya Toure
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.
Next: Transfer bid by West Brom turned down for Manchester City midfielder
For Tottenham, both Jan Vertonghen and Erik Lamela look to be doubtful for the match.