Guardiola confirms Rodri out, Gonzalez a fresh doubt

Pep Guardiola has confirmed Manchester Metropolis will likely be with out Rodri and Abdukodir Khusanov for Sunday’s Premier League fixture in opposition to Aston Villa, with doubts additionally surrounding the health of Nico Gonzalez. Metropolis arrive in Birmingham in sturdy type, unbeaten of their final eight matches throughout all competitions and sitting second within the Premier League. A 2-0 win over Villarreal in midweek stored their Champions League marketing campaign on target, however new damage issues now threaten squad depth.

Rodri and Khusanov dominated out of Aston Villa journey

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Chatting with the press on Friday, Guardiola made it clear that each Rodri and Abdukodir Khusanov stay unavailable. Rodri has not featured since struggling a hamstring damage within the win over Brentford earlier this month. In the meantime, Khusanov — who picked up an damage within the 1-1 draw with Arsenal — has but to return to full coaching.

“Nonetheless the fellows who weren’t ready in Villarreal, nonetheless they don’t seem to be prepared,” Guardiola mentioned. On Khusanov’s restoration timeline, he added: “I feel he’s near coming again however he’s nonetheless not prepared. (He) has an damage in a harmful, harmful place in his physique.”

Nico Gonzalez a contemporary doubt after Villarreal damage

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Nico Gonzalez has stepped up impressively in Rodri’s absence, however the 23-year-old suffered a foot damage in opposition to Villarreal and was changed by Mateo Kovačić. Guardiola confirmed that no remaining determination has been made on Gonzalez’s availability for Aston Villa, with additional assessments deliberate throughout the weekend.

“I didn’t see the docs, and we’ll see tomorrow – at the moment and tomorrow – how does he (Gonzalez) really feel. One thing together with his toes,” Guardiola defined.

Kovacic, Cherki, and Aké enhance squad rotation

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There have been positives for Man Metropolis final weekend as Mateo Kovačić and Rayan Cherki returned to motion within the 2‑0 win over Everton. Nathan Aké additionally made his first Premier League begin since February, permitting Josko Gvardiol to relaxation following issues over his intense workload final season. Jack Grealish, at the moment on mortgage at Everton, was ineligible to face his dad or mum membership.

With depth stretched in midfield and one other tight turnaround on the calendar, Guardiola could also be pressured to reshuffle his beginning eleven as soon as once more at Villa Park.

As Manchester Metropolis proceed their pursuit of prime spot, all eyes will likely be on the health of Nico Gonzalez. If he joins Rodri and Khusanov on the sidelines, Guardiola’s midfield puzzle might turn out to be much more sophisticated in a important part of the marketing campaign.