London London. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola played down concerns about the seriousness of Brazilian winger Savinho's ankle problem amid an injury crisis for the Premier League champions. “It was a shock,” Guardiola said. “A strong blow but (it) doesn't fracture.” Savinho cried as he was carried off the field on a stretcher during City's 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the English League Cup on Wednesday. Manuel Akanji suffered a knee injury in the warm-up for that game. Were struggling because of the problem.
Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker and Oscar Bob were already on the injured list and will not play against Bournemouth on Saturday. Jeremy Doku has also been ruled out, while Guardiola said Ruben Dias is struggling with a back problem. After Wednesday's defeat, Guardiola said it was his worst injury situation since arriving at City in 2016.
“We are not the only club in the world with injuries,” Guardiola said. “We have a lot going on in certain departments and certain positions, but that's the way it is. I told the team several times, guys, try not to feel sorry for yourself.' The challenge is there.” However, the injury situation will not force Guardiola to delve into the transfer market in the new year. “Maybe in January, we will have the whole team fit except Rodri and maybe Oscar,” he said. “Maybe we are all in this together, the team is enough, it is complete, it is good, it is on top and everyone is completely focused and fit.”
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