- Man City are experiencing something of an injury crisis at the start of the season.
- Manuel Akanji was ready to play despite pain at Spurs but couldn’t start
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Manchester City will be hoping for a double boost to alleviate a serious injury crisis that has left them with 11 fit senior outfield players.
Manuel Akanji and Savinho suffered problems before and during the Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham, taking Pep Guardiola’s absence list to eight ahead of a week in which they will travel 3,400 miles.
Akanji was ready to play despite pain from a groin discomfort and was scheduled to start the fourth-round tie, but was forced to withdraw during warm-ups.
The centre-back wants to be available for Saturday’s tough Premier League trip to Bournemouth before City travel to Lisbon in the Champions League and then Brighton.
City have been analyzing the serious ankle injury that Savinho suffered in the second half against Tottenham, a blow that led to him being stretchered off.
Pep Guardiola hopes to recover from injuries before a week in which his team will travel 3,400 miles
Summer signing Savinho was stretchered off after his ankle injury against Tottenham
Manuel Akanji expected to be available for the Spurs game, but had to leave in the warm-up.
The Brazilian believes it was a shocking blow and will not force him to be on the sidelines for long, although Bournemouth could arrive too soon.
If Savinho were to miss, Guardiola would be without his four natural wingers, as well as Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and Rodri.
De Bruyne has been training with the team for two weeks but does not consider himself fit enough. Rubén Días has problems, while Guardiola admitted that they cannot rest Rico Lewis.
“To the guys who strive to be with us, fighting for us, playing through pain and living for us 24 hours a day, I won’t forget you,” the City manager said.