Manchester City faced setbacks as both Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku found themselves sidelined due to injuries. Despite missing the 2-1 victory over Luton, Pep Guardiola remains optimistic about their return in a few weeks.
Haaland’s absence was attributed to a foot injury sustained during his Premier League debut earlier in the week. Guardiola, unsure of Haaland’s availability for the upcoming Crystal Palace match, clarified that no bones were broken, emphasizing the issue as “just bone stress.” Expressing skepticism about his readiness for the Crystal Palace fixture, Guardiola targeted Haaland’s potential return for the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia, contingent on his week-to-week progress.
Meanwhile, Doku, absent since leaving the field in a 3-3 draw with Tottenham, did not feature in squads against Aston Villa and Luton. Guardiola compared Doku’s injury to Kevin De Bruyne’s season-ending setback, describing it as muscular but less severe. Cautious about the player’s return, Guardiola acknowledged the need for prudence due to Doku’s high intensity and expressed uncertainty about the exact timeframe, estimating a return within a week or two.
The manager’s appeal for calm regarding Haaland’s injury and his careful approach to Doku’s recovery underscore the team’s commitment to ensuring the players’ well-being. Guardiola’s emphasis on bone stress and a measured rehabilitation approach reflects the delicate balance between urgency and the imperative to prioritize players’ long-term fitness. As City navigates these challenges, Guardiola remains hopeful that both Haaland and Doku will be back in action soon, contributing to the team’s ambitions in domestic and international competitions.
