Manchester City: World Cup Qualifier Watch

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – MARCH 23: Sergio Aguero of Argentina heads the ball during a match between Argentina and Chile as part of FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifiers at Monumental Stadium on March 23, 2017 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Gabriel Rossi/LatinContent/Getty Images) /

Even though domestic action is on break, the action doesn’t stop for several Manchester City players who participated in World Cup Qualifiers.

CONMEBOL and UEFA World Cup Qualifiers continued this week for the 2018 World Cup next year. Thursday featured CONMEBOL taking center-stage in qualifying, while Friday kicked off the fifth round of UEFA qualifiers in Europe.

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Here is a rundown of the eight Manchester City players who participated in Thursday and Friday’s WCQ’s.

Fernandinho – Brazil
The Manchester City midfielder came off the bench as an 82nd minute substitute in Brazil’s 4-1 road victory at Uruguay on Thursday. The midfielder should possibly see more time in Brazil’s quick turnaround, as they host Paraguay on March 28th.

Nicolas Otamendi – Argentina
One of Manchester City’s consistent defenders played the entire match on Thursday as Argentina defeated Chile 1-0. The center-back won seven of 11 duels, made 10 successful clearances, and finished with a 59% passing completion rate for the match. Argentina next travels to Bolivia on March 28th.

Sergio Aguero – Argentina
The Manchester City striker started and played 58 minutes in Argentina’s 1-0 win vs. Chile on Thursday. Aguero finished with an 88% passing completion rate, while winning three duels and also winning a header. Aguero should be fit to start against Bolivia next week.

Claudio Bravo – Chile
Despite not getting tons of game-time at Manchester City lately, Bravo is still Chile #1 keeper. However, he was only called into action once in a 1-0 defeat against Argentina. He had a 54% passing completion rate in the defeat.

Aleksandar Kolarov – Serbia
A regular for the Serbian side, Kolarov played the entire fixture on Friday as Serbia defeated Georgia 3-1 on the road. He had a 91% passing completion rate, while also being perfect in every other defensive category. He won five duels, made three interceptions, made four clearances, while also winning four headers. Serbia are now atop Group D in UEFA after the win.

Oleksandr Zinchenko – Ukraine
The Manchester City loanee is getting plenty of game-time for Dutch giants PSV. However, the 20-year-old was an unused substitute in Ukraine’s 1-0 road defeat at Croatia on Friday.

Bersant Celina – Kosovo
The 20-year-old Celina who is currently on-loan with Dutch side FC Twente played 26+ minutes as a substitute on Friday. He finished with an 88% passing completion rate, but failed to help his side earn a point in a 2-1 home defeat against Iceland.

David Silva– Spain
Last but not least, David Silva netted Spain’s opening goal in a 4-1 home success against Israel. The goal helped set the tone as Spain remained a top of Group H. Silva finished with an 81% passing completion rate, while also winning five duels.

Only one Manchester City international will be in-action on Saturday as Kevin De Bruyne and Belgium host Greece. Sunday’s action features the likes of Joe Hart, John Stones, Leroy Sane, and Raheem Sterling all in action as England and Germany face intriguing matches.

Next: Deal reportedly almost struck between Manchester City and Benfica keeper Ederson

Be sure to check back for all the action and analysis from the remaining World Cup Qualifiers featuring Manchester City’s best talent.