Guardiola announces an injury crisis in Manchester City before facing Real Madrid

The return of Ruben Dias after a month and a half of being on the sidelines has not completely satisfied Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.

Despite the return of the Portuguese centre-back, Manchester City’s defense still suffers from a handful of absentees. Just days before the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, Kyle Walker, John Stones and Nathan Ake came out injured at the Etihad Stadium. Joao Cancelo will miss the match due to suspension.

Guardiola spoke on Friday before the Premier League match at home to Watford, where City must not be mistaken if he wants to maintain a one-point lead over Liverpool.

“Walker is getting better and we’ll see tomorrow. Stones has some annoyances. Small problems, like Aki. Today we evaluate him, tomorrow we decide,” Guardiola said.

No right-back against Real Madrid?

Against Brighton, Ake was substituted in the first half and the Stones after 77 minutes with physical problems. Walker missed City’s last two games after sustaining an injury against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano.

“Stones’ prejudice and we decided not to risk it,” Guardiola said. “I hope it’s not a muscle injury because we have problems in this position with Walker (injury) and Joao Cancelo (suspension) against Real Madrid.”

Walker, Cancelo and Stones are the three players Guardiola uses as right-back. If none of them can play against Real Madrid, the City coach will have to find a new solution.

Source: Marca