Manchester City and Sunderland both have injury concerns heading into the Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium
Manchester City and Sunderland will both be hoping they can continue their recent good form when they meet at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Blues head into the clash with the Black Cats having survived a late scare to beat Fulham 5-4 at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night.
As for Regis Le Bris’ men, they continued their surprisingly good start to the campaign with a 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Wednesday night. The North East club sit sixth in the Premier League, just outside the top four after promotion from the Championship in May.
We take a look at the injury latest from both clubs. For City, their injury list remains the same as it has been in recent weeks. Rodri remains out In his pre-match press conference, Pep Guardiola insisted the midfielder is feeling better but would not be fit for the weekend’s clash.
Mateo Kovacic is also out as he continues to recover from his long-term ankle issue. City have suggested the former Chelsea man will not be back in action until the last part of the campaign which suggests his absence will continue to be felt until at least February.
As for the visitors, they welcomed back Noah Sadiki at Anfield and he appeared to get through that test well. Centre-back Aji Alese has not featured in the Premier League since Sunderland’s promotion and is expected to remain missing with a shoulder injury on Saturday.
Habib Diarra only joined in the summer and played four matches before having to undergo groin surgery. Having undergone Achilles surgery, Leo Hjelde returned for the U21s last month against Sporting. Le Bris described the full-back as being close to a return in midweek alongside his fellow full-back Dennis Cirkin.
