Manchester City’s 2026 did not begin on a positive note. Pep Guardiola’s side were held to back-to-back draws in early January, first playing out a goalless draw against Sunderland on January 1. Three days later, City were again forced to settle for a point, drawing 1-1 against Chelsea on January 4 after Enzo Fernández scored a late equaliser.
Beyond the dropped points, the situation has been compounded by mounting injury concerns. Manchester City are currently dealing with a lengthy injury list, with seven key players sidelined. Several others are also set to miss upcoming fixtures due to AFCON commitments, further stretching the squad. City’s problems deepened during their league clash against Chelsea. Defender Joško Gvardiol was forced off with an injury, increasing concerns over an already stretched squad.
Throughout this article on 96.com, we will discuss Manchester City and their current injury status.
Also Read: AFCON 2025 Results, Top Scorer, Most Assists, Group Standings
Gvardiol Injury Adds to Guardiola’s Headaches
Manchester City entered the Chelsea match already dealing with setbacks. On Thursday night against Sunderland, Nico González sustained a calf injury and was substituted at halftime. Less than 96 hours later, Guardiola was dealt another blow as Gvardiol suffered an ankle injury.
The incident occurred midway through the second half, with City leading 1-0. Gvardiol was running alongside Chelsea’s Malo Gusto in what appeared to be a routine situation. As he released the ball, the Croatian defender landed awkwardly, immediately clutching his right ankle.
The injury quickly worsened. Gvardiol required assistance to leave the pitch and was visibly in pain as he limped off. He was replaced by Abdukodir Khusanov, marking yet another injury setback for Manchester City early in 2026.
Initial assessments suggest that Gvardiol could miss several matches, with an early February return currently expected.
Guardiola Voices Concern Over Defensive Injuries
Following the match, Pep Guardiola openly addressed the growing injury crisis, particularly in defence. “Of course, we have a lot of them. John Stones hasn’t played for I don’t know how many months. Rúben Dias will now be out. Joško Gvardiol will also be absent. And Nathan Aké, we know Nathan can never play regularly.
That’s the situation. But the same thing happened last season. We must remain strong and find a solution. The spirit will be there.” Guardiola’s comments reflect the strain on City’s defensive depth as multiple senior players remain sidelined.
Mixed News Elsewhere: Rodri and Haaland
There was some positive news, as former Balon d’Or winner Rodri completed the full 90 minutes after recent injury concerns. However, his availability for Wednesday’s league match against Brighton remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland endured a rare dry spell. For the first time this season, the Norwegian striker went 3 consecutive matches without scoring. The last time this happened was in May 2025. Despite that, Haaland’s numbers still underline his quality: 19 goals and 4 assists in 20 league matches this season.
Also Read: January Window Focus: Conor Gallagher and United’s Search for Midfield Balance
Manchester City Injury List (As of Jan 2026)
Rúben Dias: The Portuguese is currently sidelined with a muscle injury sustained in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea, where he was forced off in the 81st minute. He is expected to return by mid-January 2026.
Joško Gvardiol: The centre back is recovering from an ankle injury suffered against Chelsea after playing 51 minutes. Early assessments suggest that the Croatian defender could return to action in early February 2026.
Nico González: The 24-year-old midfielder picked up a calf injury during Manchester City’s clash with Sunderland and was substituted at half-time. His return date remains uncertain, and his availability is currently considered doubtful.
John Stones: He has been dealing with a muscle injury since December 8, 2025. Although his return is expected within a few days, he has managed only 26 minutes of game time since coming back, which came against Fulham.
Mateo Kovačić: Mateo Kovačić has been out of action since November 3, 2025, due to an ankle injury. The midfielder has already missed over two months and is expected to return in early February 2026.
Savinho: He sustained an injury during the match against Sunderland and was replaced by Jérémy Doku in the 51st minute. He is expected to be available again by mid-January 2026.
Oscar Bobb: Oscar Bobb is recovering from a hamstring injury suffered on December 17, 2025. Before being sidelined, he played only 19 minutes against Brentford, and his expected return is set for mid-January 2026.
Rayan Aït-Nouri will be unavailable for Manchester City as he is on international duty with Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations. Similarly, Omar Marmoush will miss upcoming fixtures after joining Egypt’s squad for AFCON.
Conclusion
Manchester City’s start to 2026 has been defined by dropped points and mounting injuries, particularly in defence. With several key players unavailable and more fitness concerns emerging, Guardiola faces an early-season test of squad depth and adaptability. How City responds in the coming weeks could shape the trajectory of their campaign.
FAQs
Q1. Why has Manchester City struggled at the start of 2026?
Manchester City have drawn their first two matches of 2026 and are dealing with multiple injuries, which have disrupted squad stability and match rhythm.
Q2. Which teams did Manchester City draw against in early January 2026?
City drew 0-0 against Sunderland on January 1 and played out a 1-1 draw against Chelsea on January 4.
Q3. How many Manchester City players are currently injured?
As of early January 2026, Manchester City have seven players sidelined due to injuries.
Q4. Which Manchester City player was injured against Chelsea?
Joško Gvardiol suffered an ankle injury during the match against Chelsea and was forced off in the second half.
Q5. Are any Manchester City players unavailable due to AFCON?
Yes, in addition to injuries, some Manchester City players are also unavailable due to AFCON duties, further reducing squad options.
