Pep Guardiola expressed concerns over Manchester City’s growing injury issues but urged his team to rebound in their Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday.
City heads to Portugal after back-to-back losses, having seen their 11-month unbeaten Premier League streak snapped by Bournemouth on Saturday and previously falling to Tottenham in the League Cup.
Among their absent stars is Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, sidelined for the rest of the season due to a knee injury, along with Oscar Bobb, Ruben Dias, Jack Grealish, and John Stones.
Kevin De Bruyne may finally return after seven weeks but is unlikely to start, while Kyle Walker, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, Jeremy Doku, and Savinho are also struggling with fitness.
Reflecting on the team’s challenges, Guardiola remarked, “Rodri’s absence is tough, and we must acknowledge the difficulties. It’s part of the game.” He added that while recent seasons were smoother, adapting to changes—including injuries and personal setbacks—is essential as City has achieved six Premier League titles in seven years.
The upcoming match also marks a unique encounter, as Guardiola faces Ruben Amorim, Sporting’s manager, who is set to join Manchester United soon. Their last Champions League showdown in 2021/22 ended in a commanding 5-0 aggregate win for City.
Guardiola praised Sporting’s consistency, noting, “Despite roster changes, their manager’s mentality has led them to league victories after a 20-year drought.”
Bernardo Silva, who scored twice in City’s previous Lisbon visit, emphasized that injuries shouldn’t become an excuse. He stated, “We’re undoubtedly stronger at full strength, and missing players like Kevin and Rodri hurts, but excuses aren’t part of our club’s DNA.”
Both teams remain unbeaten in this year’s Champions League format, each earning seven points from their first three games.