Manchester City Injury Update: John Stones Returns, Erling Haaland Certain to Miss FA Cup v Tottenham, Ederson & Manuel Akanji Close In on Comeback

For the past few years, there’s been one thing the soccer community has been almost certain of coming into a season. Manchester City would prove to be a formidable force over the course of a campaign. However, the 2023/24 season didn’t start that way and has been riddled with injuries. But it looks like City is in the final stretch of navigating through injuries. Days after Kevin De Bruyne managed to put an end to his 5-month absence, John Stones might be another incoming boost for Pep Guardiola & Co. With the impending FA Cup 4th round clash against Tottenham Hotspur on January 26, though, will City’s concerns around the return of Erling Haaland, Ederson, and Manuel Akanji remain?

John Stones

The England international suffered a knock against Everton in quite a controversial way while executing a tackle. With the referee subsequently raising the offside flag, the damage was already done, and Stones sustained an ankle injury and was forced to leave the pitch. Guardiola even mentioned that his injury “doesn’t look good.”

Potential Return: Great news, Cityzens! Stones recently made a return and was spotted training alongside his teammates. There’s no doubt he can make a comeback in the next match.

Status vs. Tottenham: Stones is available to play in the FA Cup clash against Spurs.

Manuel Akanji 

The Swiss defender was forced to leave the pitch in agony during the FA Cup clash against Huddersfield after sustaining a leg injury. Following the match, Guardiola confirmed that the player might remain sidelined for weeks and could miss the action against Spurs and Burnely. 

Potential Return: Although nothing serious was proclaimed surrounding Akanji’s injury, the 10-day gap should also do the trick for the 28-year-old star. If not, he can also make a return against the Spurs on January 26. Else Guardiola would need to wait until the Premier League clash against Burnley. 

Status vs. Tottenham: If things look sorted out in Abu Dhabi, Manuel Akanji is all set to face Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Ederson 

The man between the sticks is sidelined due to a knee injury sustained during City’s Newcastle comeback. In the post-match press conference, Guardiola confirmed that the Brazilian superstar had suffered a ‘big knock’ and even had problems while leaving the pitch. 

Potential Return: Luckily, the 10-day gap seems to have worked in favor of Ederson. He is close to making a return and was even pictured training in Abu Dhabi alongside his teammates. This offers a major boost for Cityzens. 

Status vs. Tottenham: With four more days until the FA Cup clash, there seems to be no problem for Guardiola to field his star goalkeeper. He can make an appearance at the Spurs’ stadium. 

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Erling Haaland

The Norwegian hitman remains sidelined due to his ankle injury. Prior to the Newcastle match, Pep Guardiola commented on Erling Haaland’s injury, claiming the striker was fine and his knock was merely a setback. “Hopefully, at the end of this month, he will be ready. The bone needs time. Every injury, you can do what you want, but it’s a question of time,” added the Sky Blues boss. 

Potential Return: With Haaland still being assessed, he is likely to return to action around the end of January. While his absence against Tottenham is a no-brainer, he can make a return against Burnley on February 1 or while facing Brentford on February 6. 

Status vs. Tottenham: Ruled out.

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