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PEP GUARDIOLA RECEIVES MAJOR BOOST WITH TRIO’S RETURN THREE MAN CITY STARS SET FOR EVERTON COMEBACK

Man City faces a fitness crisis with Rodri's new setback a major concern. Get the latest on his injury, plus updates on Cherki's early return and the latest on Ait-Nouri, Khusanov & Marmoush ahead of a crucial fixture run.

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Pep Guardiola

Man City is dealing with several serious fitness issues at a pivotal point in the season. Players have experienced premature setbacks that jeopardise the stability and balance group, while others are getting closer to making a recovery. Those who are hoping for a healthy outcome over the international break would have to be content with cautious optimism instead of absolute certainty.

Another setback for Rodri

Players are as vital to City's rhythm as Rodri, so his frequent fitness problems are a serious worry. The midfield player has been closely watched after suffering a severe knee injury, but it seems like his workload has caught up with him.

He was selected again after starting against Monaco, but he only played 22 minutes before leaving the game. Guardiola's recent remarks regarding his health suddenly became more significant.

"Everyone understood why I substituted Rodri against Monaco today," Guardiola told reporters, answering questions. "We are waiting for those tests; I don't know how long he will be out," he continued.

No return date has been set, and a prolonged absence would necessitate an unwelcome midfield reorganisation.

Rayan Cherki's Unexpected Comeback Is Near

At least one sight at the Gtech Community Stadium seemed promising. Originally slated to remain sidelined for "two months, seven or eight weeks," Rayan Cherki unexpectedly made an appearance on the bench about a month ahead of schedule.

Before his progress was stopped by a thigh injury, the £30 million summer acquisition had only made two competitive games, scoring on his debut. Despite missing the Brentford match, his selection suggests he will soon be fully involved following the international break.

Return date possible: against. Everton (H) on October 18, 2025

Defensive Issues Persist

Due to an ankle injury sustained during the August home loss to Manchester City, Rayan Ait-Nouri is still out. His absence from Algeria's most recent roster indicates he is not yet ready to return, since eight games have gone by without him playing.

Date of possible return: Unknown

Similar circumstances apply to Abdukodir Khusanov. He was sent off against Arsenal at halftime, and Guardiola declared him out for "the next three games." The final of those games was Brentford, but he didn't play. Now, he has less than two weeks to get in shape.

Possible return: October 18, 2025, against Everton (H)

A Slower Recovery for Marmoush Than Anticipated

Anticipated that Omar Marmoush would return before this international window; however, he has not shown up. With Egypt, the forward injured his knee ligament and hasn't returned yet. Uncertainty surrounds whether his recovery has been a setback or if it has just taken longer than anticipated.


Return date possible: against. Everton (H) on October 18, 2025

BRUNO FERNANDES SHOWS LEADERSHIP IN TRAINING AS SQUAD RESPONDS

Bruno Fernandes is mentoring Manchester United's record signing Matheus Cunha, helping the Brazilian adapt on and off the pitch. Their bond is paying dividends as Cunha opens his goal account.

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Bruno Fernandes Makes Statement In Training As United Players Respond - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Matheus Cunha has been mentored by Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes to help him reach his full potential and become a hero at Old Trafford.

Cunha, 26, had a rough start to life at United after joining in the summer for £62.5 million from Wolves. In fact, he missed one game due to a hamstring injury before the first international break and did not score or assist in any of his first eight outings.

But in Saturday's 4-2 victory over Brighton, the Brazil international broke his goal drought and scored his first goal for United. Cunha gave goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen no chance as he curled the ball from the edge of the box into the bottom corner to score his team's first goal.

According to The Sun, Fernandes has been "incremental" in assisting Cunha in managing the demands of playing for United. The two have developed a close mentoring relationship as a result of their shared Portuguese language skills.

It is reported that Fernandes and Cunha worked on free kicks and set pieces for hours during extra training sessions, and their strong bond is beginning to show on the field.

According to sources at The Sun, Cunha's confidence and emotional regulation have improved under Fernandes' tutelage, particularly during the Brazilian's stint out due to injury.

Despite neither scoring nor providing an assist in last Sunday's 2-1 victory over Liverpool, Cunha made an impression and offered hints that he might be a true star asset for United and head coach Ruben Amorim.

Amorim was full of praise for the former Wolves and Atletico Madrid player, who scored 17 goals in 36 games last season, after he managed to get on the scoresheet against Brighton.

"He was having trouble. "He can conceal that, but I know he is having difficulties," Amorim told the BBC. However, he exudes confidence throughout the entire game. I adore his style of defence. I realise I am a little simplistic, but his response at Anfield was not shocking.

"His style of play with the ball is not surprising, but he is getting better when he does not have it. That will have a huge impact on our team. He must score goals; he suffered when he failed to do so, but he is a great player because he makes the game-winning decisions, and I am very happy with him."

On Saturday, Cunha and United return to play as they visit Nottingham Forest. A fourth consecutive Premier League victory at the City Ground would put them as high as second in the standings.

With three straight wins over Sunderland, Liverpool, and Brighton, the Reds are in scorching form and have risen from the bottom part of the table to sixth place.

BORUSSIA DORTMUND STAR EMERGES AS KEY TARGET FOR HANSI FLICK

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has explicitly requested the signing of Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck. The German international is a top target to reinforce Barça's backline.

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Hansi Flick Eyeing Nico Schlotterbeck For Camp Nou Squad - COURTESY/PHOTO

The board of Barcelona has been notified by head coach Hansi Flick that he wants to have Nico Schlotterbeck, a star for Borussia Dortmund, available to him for the upcoming campaign.

Fichajes, who gave the most recent information on the issue on Tuesday, said as much.

It is generally anticipated that Barcelona will want to add new backs either this January or the following summer.

This is because of Andreas Christensen's contract predicament (which expires in 2026) and the continued uncertainty surrounding Ronald Araújo's future.

In Catalunya's capital, a shortlist of possible signings has already been created as a result.

And according to the previously stated Hansi Flick, one name on this list sticks out above the others.

The headmaster of Barcelona wants to sign Nico Schlotterbeck, a star for Dortmund, according to a report from Fichajes.

Schlotterbeck, a German international, is anticipated to leave Signal Iduna Park in the summer of 2027, before his contract expires.

Hansi Flick has "explicitly instructed" Deco and company to do everything it takes to land his man, despite the intense competition for his services.

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