It seemed that Benjamin Mendy could be available for tonight’s game for Manchester City. In the Champions League pre-match press conference that was certainly the suggestion from Pep. However, reports coming out of Manchester this morning might suggest otherwise.
Guardiola initially had said it was just a knock and would be assessed before the game against Shakhtar. Suggestions were that he could be in contention for the game.
I wasn’t sure he would be risked even if he was fit, with a big game against Chelsea coming up at the weekend. It will be important for Guardiola to improve on last seasons two defeats.
Now it seems that the Frenchman is travelling to Barcelona to see the same doctor as Kevin DeBruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Vincent Kompany. A trip to see Ramon Cugat is never something that results in good news.
The fear is that it could be ligament damage and that would keep him sidelined for months. Instead of being back for next weekend, he wouldn’t be back until next year.
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Dr. Cugat is one of the best in his field, and from that aspect, it’s positive. If the injury is worse than first feared, then the Spanish surgeon is who you’d want at the end of your bed.
Since 2013 he has been using stem cells to repair of anterior cruciate ligament injuries and cartilage.
He has operated on many players, from the highest levels, extending the careers of some.
He has worked in England and the USA along with Spain, becoming a full academician of the Royal European Academy of Doctors last year.
For the player, his Twitter account has been somewhat quiet. Considering the banter which usually follows games, blue Mendy has been subdued.
Next: Champions League matchday two vs. Shakhtar Donetsk
We await news on Mendy and hope he will be back with us sooner rather than later. In the meantime we do have Danilo who can do a job in that position. Fabian Delph could also have an appearance at left back or, please no, Leroy Sane.