With Manchester City unusually not playing on Boxing Day, it is a return to Premier League action for the Blues on Saturday when they visit Nottingham Forest. Pep Guardiola’s side sit in a good position as we head towards 2026 having won seven-in-a-row prior to Christmas.
However, there are major tests ahead including a brutal January where City will be competing on all four fronts.
The Blues will also need to navigate this period with a mini injury crisis starting to take shape. Guardiola is already missing Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri due to their involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Manchester City are grappling with a growing injury list as they prepare for a crucial Premier League visit to Nottingham Forest.
Key midfielder Rodri remains a significant doubt, with manager Pep Guardiola emphasizing the need for extreme caution following the Spaniard’s hamstring setback.
While fans hoped for a return before the new year, the coaching staff is wary of rushing him back too soon, prioritizing long-term fitness over immediate availability for the festive schedule.
The attacking department is equally stretched, as Jeremy Doku and Oscar Bobb are both confirmed absentees for the upcoming fixtures.
Doku is currently recuperating from a muscular injury sustained against Real Madrid and is not expected to feature until at least January.
Meanwhile, Bobb’s impressive form was halted by a hamstring strain early in the Carabao Cup victory over Brentford. Guardiola noted, “Nottingham, Sunderland, maybe a few of them will start to be back. But tomorrow, no.”
Compounding the selection headache, City are also without Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri, who are away on international duty for the Africa Cup of Nations.
While John Stones offers a glimmer of hope for a return against Forest, the squad remains thin as they attempt to maintain their seven-match winning streak.
Guardiola warned that the recovery process must be safe, stating, “I want to be sure… the priority is that he does not take a thousand steps back when he does come back.”