Defensive duo John Stones and Ruben Dias each missed the Premier League opener in opposition to Burnley and neither will likely be concerned in Athens as City face final season’s Europa League winners Sevilla.
Stones is suffering with an abductor injury, whereas Dias suffered a blow to the pinnacle in coaching and so faces a seven-day spell on the sidelines in step with concussion protocols.
Bernardo Silva has not made the journey to Greece, reportedly because of sickness, whereas Kevin De Bruyne picked up a hamstring damage within the win over Burnley, forcing him off within the first-half. Pep Guardiola has confirmed the Belgian faces a prolonged interval away from motion.
“He is injured again unfortunately,” the City boss mentioned. “Same place and position as the Champions League and he will be out for a while.”
In the absence of Stones and Dias, Josko Gvardiol might make his full City debut, having come off the bench late on at Turf Moor. That would doubtless see Nathan Ake transfer out to the left-back place he performed in frequently final season.
Mateo Kovacic is predicted to come back into the facet, with Phil Foden probably taking part in in a deeper midfield position with Silva out. That would depart room for Jack Grealish to return to the beginning lineup, having been left on the bench in opposition to Burnley.
Predicted Man City XI: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Gvardiol, Ake; Rodri, Kovacic, Foden; Alvarez, Haaland, Grealish
Injuries: Stones, Dias, De Bruyne, Silva
Doubts: None
Time and date: 8pm, Wednesday August 16, 2023
Venue: Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium
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