Manchester City Injury Update – Another Defender Out Injured For Pep Guardiola After Kyle Walker & Ederson, Latest News On John Stones’ Fitness Ahead of Aston Villa Game

Manchester City doesn’t have enough time to think about their draw against Arsenal with the defending champs set to face Aston Villa in a matter of 24 hours. The last time these two sides faced Unai Emery’s Aston Villa ran circles around the treble winners. However, things could be tight this time as Manchester City will love to come in all guns blazing against their opponents.

The previous encounter between the two clubs saw Manchester City take to the field without Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri, which left a massive void in the midfield. Aston Villa took complete advantage of the situation as they outplayed the Cityzens as Manuel Akanji and John Stones could do nothing to cope against Villa’s four midfielders. Now while Pep Guardiola has his top players returning for the reverse fixture, the story with injuries remains the same!

Kyle Walker and Ederson have been ruled out of the contest with the duo yet to recover from their injuries. Meanwhile, Dutch defender Nathan Ake is also expected to miss the clash after picking up a hamstring injury against Arsenal. The team has issued no updates on Ake’s return, but Pep Guardiola expects the player to be out for at least a set of fixtures. Meanwhile, John Stones, who picked up a knock during the international break has recovered from his injury.

However, the team management has no plans to return him to action. The Englishman has been a vital player for the team and pushing him hard just days after his recovery could put him on the shelves for longer periods. With some of his key players out from the clash, it will be interesting how Pep Guardiola lines up his final playing eleven against Unai Emery’s men.

How will Manchester City take to the field against Aston Villa?

With Nathan Ake picking up an injury against Arsenal, Pep Guardiola’s plans might have taken a slight hit. However, the Spaniard always has a Plan B at hand. The manager might already have a playing eleven in mind for the game and will expect his men to pick up the three points at the sound of the final whistle. Stefan Ortega is expected to continue between the sticks with Ederson out with his injury. Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji are likely to be paired as central defenders with Josko Gvardiol and Rico Lewis serving as the fullbacks.

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Rodri is expected to continue in the midfield alongside Mateo Kovacic, who put on an impressive display against Arsenal. With the four-man midfield not working out against Arsenal, Pep could fall back to his traditional approach. Kevin De Bruyne will once again slot in as an attacking midfielder while Bernardo Silva takes to the right flank. The left might be in contention with both Phil Foden and Jack Grealish in the running for the position. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland will start over Julian Alvarez as the main striker, but the Norwegian needs to find his form before it is too late!

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