The Premier League is back with a bang, and Matchday 2 is just around the corner! Having traveled to Stamford Bridge for their opening domestic game against Chelsea to clinch a 0-2 victory, Manchester City finally plays their first game of the 2024/25 campaign at Etihad Stadium where they face Ipswich Town today. With just hours left on the clock before the kick-off, the question looms whether Ilkay Gundogan will play tonight.

This was one of the most surprising transfer deals as the German international returned to England just a year after he moved to Barcelona on a free transfer. Hansi Flick-led Catalans was understood to be willing to sell the midfielder to Saudi Arabian giants in the worst-case scenario. The initial priority was to keep him. Yet, the stunning turn of events saw the 33-year-old return for yet another stint.

Even though the switch was completed hours ago, we can see Ilkay Gundogan play tonight for Manchester City against Ipswich Town. However, the returnee won’t be playing a full game. Pep Guardiola will likely start the German superstar from the bench. Nonetheless, expect a surprise as who knows, we may see him from the start of the match as well.

Gundogan, who spent over seven years at City since joining from Dortmund in 2016, has remained a key chess piece of Guardiola. In the Spaniard tactician’s reign, he has won 12 major trophies, including a UEFA Champions League as well as five Premier League titles. Re-joining the former winning coupe rather than going someplace else, the veteran will now be focused on winning more titles with City.

That too, for at least this season, as he signed back for the reigning champions for free on a one-year contract with an option to extend further. “When managers say ‘this is the transfer window, anything can happen’, this is the real proof,” said Guardiola. “It was a complete surprise, unexpected. We didn’t have any doubts when the possibility was open. Absolutely delighted he’s back.”

A familiar face, Guardiola added that Gundo doesn’t need time to adapt and knows his way around the club. Hence, settling in quickly is a no-brainer for Ilkay. As far as his debut is concerned, he may come in handy to the former Barcelona manager, considering the absentees that City are grappling ahead of the face-off tonight.

Ilkay Gundogan can play as Manchester City grapples with injuries

Pep Guardiola confirmed in the presser earlier that star midfielder Rodri won’t be able to play against Ipswich. The recent Euro winner with Spain had also missed the previous opener against the Blues as the holding midfielder continues to train separately from the group. Sadly, the injury setbacks don’t end here for the Cityzens.

Oscar Bobb is sidelined for several months of action as the youngster had undergone surgery on a fractured leg last week. Meanwhile, new signing Savinho has participated in training this week after being substituted at halftime during his debut against Chelsea due to a minor knee concern. He will be evaluated before the upcoming match.

Even though the rest of the group remains fit to face the Tractor Boys tonight, all eyes will be on Ilkay Gundogan, who came back to complete his unfinished story with Manchester City.