Although Pep Guardiola has stated that John Stones is “much better,” he and Bernardo Silva will once again be absent as Manchester City travels to Wolves on Saturday in the Premier League.
Due to a thigh injury, England defender Stones hasn’t played since City’s Community Shield match against Arsenal on August 6.
The treble winners are also without Silva, who was substituted against Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League last week after suffering a “little injury,” according to Guardiola, and Kevin De Bruyne, who is recovering from hamstring surgery.
In a press conference on Friday, manager Guardiola stated: “We have practise this afternoon.
John is still not ready, in my opinion. Kevin still isn’t prepared. And Bernardo Silva is not doing well. The rest seem fine to me.
He (Stones) is far superior. I spoke with him, and he seemed really happy. He is working out alone right now, but he might start up again after RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
Rodri is currently sidelined for City, who are currently atop the Premier League standings with six wins and a perfect record. Rodri is serving the second game of a three-match suspension after getting dismissed in last Saturday’s 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest.
Following Rodri’s departure, Guardiola substituted Kalvin Phillips; four days later, he started for Newcastle in their 1-0 Carabao Cup loss. Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes, who City acquired from Wolves last month, offer more midfield alternatives.
The consistency and volume of games Rodri has played, according to Guardiola, make it difficult to replace.
“But now that he’s gone, we’re going to look for another attribute, perhaps skills that Rodri doesn’t have. It will be put to good use for the group.
“Like the others, (Phillips) has a chance to be chosen. He is a member of the group and although not playing frequently, he made enormous contributions. Regarding it, I have no issues.
For particular roles, we may have specific requirements. Kalvin is the ideal player when the game is just a little bit (flicks hands around and scrunches up face). He may suffer a little bit more when the game demands that every aspect be perfect. He greatly assisted us in beating Nottingham Forest in the difficult encounter against Newcastle. He possesses particular qualities, and there will be times when we need him.
Jack Grealish has made a comeback from injury in the past two of games, starting the Newcastle Cup match after coming off the bench against Forest.
When asked about the possibility of competition in attack between Jeremy Doku, another of City’s summer arrivals, and Jack Grealish, Guardiola responded, “Jeremy can play on the right as well. So who will play more and who will do better?
Phil Foden can also play on the left. They so also face Phil Foden in competition.
“The player who plays better and feels better than the competition will be given more opportunities to participate. It has always been like way.
Guardiola said when it was suggested that Wolves, who have four points and are in 16th place, may be seen as an easy matchup for City: “Normally all the games we play are ‘simple’ – and if we don’t win the Premier League, 10 points in front, in November, it’s a disaster! I am fully aware of what it is.
“(Wolves manager Gary) O’Neil did a fantastic job at Bournemouth, and I have a hunch they will do the same. It is a team that possesses quality. With these upcoming three games, we can hopefully reply before the international break.