Manchester City can be thankful star man has pulled out of international duty
Raheem Sterling has pulled out of England’s international matches against Spain and Switzerland with a back injury.
The winger was the only attacking player to be called up from Manchester City’s squad to represent England, with Kyle Walker, John Stones and Fabian Delph the other Sky Blues to make Gareth Southgate’s cut ahead of the first international break of the campaign.
But, while the Three Lions will miss the guile and speed of the red-hot Sterling, it is a relief for Manchester City who would obviously prefer not to risk one of this season’s star men in a crucial part of the season.
With Kevin de Bruyne already unfortunately ruled out in training, the thought of another fundamental player picking up a needless injury is one Guardiola won’t bear thinking about.
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It might seem selfish, but from a Manchester City point of view there is nothing better than Raheem Sterling staying at home and enjoying well-earned recuperation after his significant role in Manchester City’s sprightly early season form.
The former Liverpool man is fresh from scoring a sumptuous goal against Newcastle, and was one of City’s most optimistic performers on an evening where there were few. Instead of the international break providing him with matches that, admittedly, have far less importance than City’s domestic and Champions League campaign, he can rejuvenate ahead of a congested September schedule.
Fortunately the back problem is nothing serious, and Pep Guardiola will likely place Sterling back into the Manchester City eleven when the hiatus finishes. Kevin de Bruyne is the only notable injury crisis the Sky Blues have had to face so far, and they cannot afford to lose Sterling too.
The international break is often scrutinised, especially when the games are friendlies, and several injuries can occur during that time. Sterling will avoid that potential banana skin, and should be prepared for the continuation of City’s title defence and Champions League venture.
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Do you think it is a good thing that Sterling won’t be on international duty?