Manchester City’s injury woes just took a dramatic turn—some stars are making shock returns, while others are facing setbacks that could derail their season. But here's where it gets controversial: is Guardiola pushing his players too hard, too soon? And this is the part most people miss—hidden behind the headlines, a deeper issue in squad management might be brewing.
As the Premier League season hits a critical phase, Manchester City’s pursuit of silverware is being tested not by their rivals, but by the treatment room. While fans hoped the international break would bring healing and rest, the reality is far more complicated. Some players are nearing a return, offering a glimmer of hope. Yet, others are suffering fresh setbacks that raise serious questions about workload, recovery protocols, and long-term planning.
At the heart of the storm is Rodri—arguably the most influential player in City’s engine room. His absence doesn’t just weaken the midfield; it disrupts the entire rhythm of the team. After a grueling recovery from a serious knee injury, the Spanish international returned to action against Monaco, only to be substituted early—a move that puzzled many at the time. But now, it makes perfect sense.
In a revealing post-match comment, Pep Guardiola said, 'Everyone was wondering why I substituted Rodri against Monaco, and today everyone understood why.' Those words carry heavy weight. Rodri was back on the pitch just days later against Brentford but lasted only 22 minutes before limping off—another blow to City’s midfield stability. With no official timeline for his return and scans still pending, the club faces a nerve-wracking wait. Could this be a case of returning too soon after a major injury? And if so, who’s responsible—the medical staff, the coaching team, or the player himself?
On a more positive note, Rayan Cherki’s recovery has defied expectations. The £30 million summer signing, who dazzled in his debut by scoring, was initially expected to be out for seven or eight weeks due to a thigh injury. But just over a month later, he was spotted on the bench at the Gtech Community Stadium—earlier than anticipated. Though he didn’t play against Brentford, his presence suggests he’s nearing full fitness. If all goes well, he could make his long-awaited return on October 18, 2025, when City host Everton. Could Cherki be the spark City needs in attack? Or is rushing him back a risk not worth taking?
Meanwhile, defensive concerns continue to pile up. Rayan Ait-Nouri, who plays for Wolves but was injured during their match against City in August, remains on the sidelines. Eight games have passed without him, and his exclusion from Algeria’s latest national squad hints that his recovery is slower than hoped. There’s still no clear return date, leaving his club and country in limbo.
Abdukodir Khusanov, another defensive option for City, is in a similar boat. He was forced off at halftime during the Arsenal clash and was initially expected to miss about three games. Brentford was supposed to be the last of that stretch, but he didn’t make the squad. Now, with just under two weeks until the Everton match, he’s racing to prove his fitness. Like Cherki, his potential return date is set for October 18—but will he be match-ready, or is City gambling on hope over certainty?
Then there’s Omar Marmoush, whose recovery has hit a snag. The Egyptian forward was expected to return before the international break after suffering a knee ligament injury while on national team duty. Yet, he’s still nowhere to be seen. Is this just part of a longer-than-expected rehab process, or has there been a hidden setback that hasn’t been disclosed? The silence from the club is telling. Without clarity, speculation grows—especially when a player of his potential is involved.
So, where does this leave Manchester City? On one hand, there’s cautious optimism: Cherki and Khusanov might return against Everton, and Marmoush could follow. On the other, Rodri’s latest injury is a massive red flag. His role is irreplaceable, and losing him long-term could force Guardiola into uncomfortable tactical shifts—like relying more on younger or less experienced players in high-pressure games.
But here’s the real question: should clubs be doing more to protect players returning from serious injuries? Is the pressure to perform—both from fans, managers, and even the players themselves—leading to premature comebacks and repeat injuries? Or is this just the harsh reality of modern football, where the schedule never stops and the demands never ease?
What do you think? Should Rodri have been played at all after such a serious injury? Is City’s medical team falling short, or are they doing their best in an impossible situation? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear whether you agree or disagree.
