MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Nathan Ake of Manchester City during the Premier League match against Everton at the Etihad Stadium on December 26, 2024.
Manchester City may be without up to nine players for their Premier League match against Leicester City on Sunday.
City struggled with a depleted squad during their Boxing Day draw against Everton, fielding just 10 fully-fit outfield players. Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne missed the game due to illness but have since returned to training and are expected to travel to Leicester.
Nathan Ake’s late substitution against Everton raised further concerns, though teammate Manu Akanji suggested the move was purely precautionary.
Goalkeeper Ederson has been sidelined for two games with an undisclosed issue, and John Stones missed the Everton match after a brief comeback against Aston Villa ended prematurely due to a recurring problem.
Matheus Nunes has been unavailable for the last two games because of injury, while Kyle Walker and Jack Grealish sat out the Everton clash due to fitness and illness concerns. Walker’s participation in Friday’s training session suggests he may return for Sunday’s fixture.
Rodri, Oscar Bobb, and Ruben Dias remain out of contention and will not feature at the King Power Stadium.
Leicester City, meanwhile, are dealing with their own fitness challenges. Jamie Vardy missed the Boxing Day game against Liverpool, with manager Ruud van Nistelrooy citing minor injuries and fatigue. “Jamie had a few knocks over the past week and wasn’t 100% fit. We gave him time to recover, and there’s a good chance he’ll be ready for Sunday,” Van Nistelrooy said.
Defender Wout Faes also faces uncertainty after picking up an injury during Leicester’s game against Wolves. Van Nistelrooy admitted, “It’s an injury concern. He’s doubtful, very doubtful for Sunday.”
