Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has provided updates on the fitness of several key players as the team prepares for the upcoming season. The new boss addressed the status of players returning from the World Cup, as well as minor issues affecting others in the squad.
Many players are just returning to the squad after extended breaks following their participation in the World Cup. Those who reached the quarter-finals or beyond did not join the pre-season tour to Asia, which could influence team selection for the initial matches.
Squad Fitness and Returns
Among the players who travelled for the pre-season tour in Hong Kong and South Korea, winger Ryan McAidoo sustained a slight shoulder issue during the first match against Inter. Maresca confirmed that McAidoo has already begun working with the team, stating, “The only one is Ryan McAidoo who in pre-season had a small problem but he has already worked with us.” He added that, aside from McAidoo, everyone else is fit, acknowledging that some players only rejoined the squad a few days prior.
Erling Haaland, who was seen sitting out part of a training session, is confirmed to be fit for the start of the season. Maresca clarified, “Yes he was okay. He just had some small things behind his heels but he’s okay.” Haaland did not participate in pre-season matches due to an extended break after Norway reached the World Cup quarter-finals.
Midfielder Rodri has returned to the City Football Academy (CFA) after undergoing minor back surgery following the World Cup. He is currently in the rehabilitation phase. Maresca noted, “He’s now in rehab. When he’s ready to start training session with us, this is the problem for him.” Rodri’s absence from training had led to speculation, particularly amid links to Barcelona, who reportedly had a second bid for the midfielder rejected.
Team Selection Considerations
Rodri was expected to miss the upcoming match for two primary reasons: an extended break after leading Spain to World Cup victory and his recent minor surgery, which was anticipated to delay his start to the season. His continued rehabilitation suggests he will not feature in the immediate future.
With Tijjani Reijnders reportedly set to finalise a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah, Maresca will need to identify a new midfield partner for Mateo Kovacic. Reijnders had only joined City from AC Milan last summer, and his transfer to Al Qadsiah is reported to be worth around £52.1 million. This move could potentially assist City in financing a transfer for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
Several players are being considered for midfield roles. Rico Lewis is an option, having started in that position during a pre-season win against the K-League Allstars. Summer signing Elliot Anderson, who recently returned to training alongside Marc Guehi and Rayan Cherki, is also a possibility, potentially making his debut. Nico Gonzalez may also be in contention for a starting spot.
In defence, Rayan Ait-Nouri has impressed during pre-season and is pushing for a start at left-back. This could see Josko Gvardiol move to a central defensive role alongside Ruben Dias. The attacking lineup is anticipated to feature Phil Foden in the No. 10 role, supported by Antoine Semenyo and Jeremy Doku, who recently signed a new contract, behind the main striker.
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Source: mancity.com