Evening Standard
·1 November 2024
Evening Standard
·1 November 2024
Guardiola is unsure who will be fit to face Bournemouth with several doubts still lingering after Tottenham defeat
Pep Guardiola is keeping his cards close to his chest with regard to Manchester City's injury situation ahead of the Premier League clash against Bournemouth.
Following his side's Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Tottenham on Wednesday night, the Spaniard issued an alarming observation of the state of his squad after Savinho was stretchered off in addition to defender Josko Gvardiol appearing to require treatment after the full-time whistle.
Already without the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Rodri, Kyle Walker and Jeremy Doku among other absentees, Guardiola claimed he had only “13 players” available for selection, declaring his side were “in trouble”.
Fast forward a couple of days and the Man City boss wasn't giving much, if anything, away when delivering the latest injury update.
"Tomorrow you will know it," he replied when asked who will be available for the game at the Vitality Stadium. "You will see it. I have many doubts, most of them half-half, tomorrow you will know it."
However, Guardiola did have some good news to share regarding Savinho as he revealed that the Brazilian could be in contention to face the Cherries as the knock he suffered against Spurs was a “strong one” but “not a fracture”.
Injury boost: Savinho was stretchered off during Manchester City’s Carabao Cup exit at Tottenham
Getty Images
Regardless of who is available for selection, Guardiola is not using the club’s injury situation as an excuse - acknowledging that many other clubs are also dealing with similar issues.
"It is what it is," Guardiola added. "At so many clubs this happens. We are not the exception, we are not the only club in the world in this modern football that have injuries.
"We have a lot in certain departments and certain positions, but it is what it is.
"I've said many times to the team: 'guys, try not to feel sorry for ourselves, it is what it is'. The challenge is that and we are going to play with 11 players tomorrow."
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