The Manchester City defender limped off against Arsenal on Friday evening but Pep Guardiola still has plenty of options
On paper, it seemed Manchester City had been dealt another cruel injury blow on Friday evening.
John Stones went down holding his hamstring during the Blues’ 1-0 FA Cup success against Arsenal. Pep Guardiola later admitted that the England international did not look right from the very first whistle.
Still involved on three fronts, City still have plenty of football to come over the next month or so, with the resumption of the Champions League something Guardiola will have to be wary of in order to best manage the fitness of his players and supporters should worry regarding defensive cover.
But compared to years gone by, it appears that the side is well covered across the backline, even with the full extent of Stones’ recent setback yet to be fully established. Manuel Akanji’s stock has continued to rise, whilst Nathan Ake’s match-winning goal will have pleased his manager last week.
Ruben Dias was fit enough to make the bench against the current league leaders and, despite his non-inclusion across the 90 minutes, the defensive stalwart is a pretty handy back-up to have should City’s injury woes continue to dampen spirits.
The Portuguese ace has started just nine Premier League games so far this term and with Akanji continuing to impress following his arrival from Borrusia Dortmund last summer, Guardiola has some thinking to do as to whether he thrusts the 25-year-old straight back into the action.
Secondly, Rico Lewis’ breakthrough campaign can only be seen as a benefit given his flexibility to play at full-back for the Blues. Despite Kyle Walker’s relatively poor showing at centre-back against Southampton earlier this month, the former Tottenham man can easily hold his own should he be required in the centre and Lewis is a more than capable understudy over on the right-hand side of defence.
And finally, how could City not be more than happy with the recent showings of Ake, with the Netherlands international enjoying a red-hot run under Guardiola’s guidance. Making one block, two clearances, and achieving a 100 per cent tackle success rate against the Gunners, the 27-year-old is starting to show just why £45million was something of a steal for the defender’s talents back in 2020.
Joao Cancelo is also yet to rediscover his shine, with Guardiola’s men chasing down perhaps a Treble with plenty of work left to be done. It remains to be seen what level of success the Blues can achieve this campaign, but it seems for now the backline is something that shouldn’t trouble the fans too much.
Journalist says Pep Guardiola ‘wants to retain’ 19 y/o over Man City teammate
According to Luis Canut of Mundo Deportivo, Manchester City are in a fight with Barcelona for Arnau Martínez. The 19-year-old plays for Girona of City Football Group and could have his €20m (£17.5m) release clause triggered by Barca.
Canut says Pep Guardiola wants ‘to retain’ Martinez, however, even though he has Kyle Walker who operates in his position. The Spanish U21 international was a Barcelona player in 2016 and might be keen to return after rising through the youth ranks to Girona’s first team.
Martinez has made 80 appearances for Girona, scoring five goals with nine assists. He’s been a regular under Míchel at the age of 19 (16/19 Liga appearances this season) and has a bright future ahead of him. But it remains to be seen whether City genuinely want him on their books.
Guardiola has Walker, Joao Cancelo and Rico Lewis who can operate in Martinez’s role, let alone John Stones and Manuel Akanji being able to play in the makeshift role, so City have enough options with signing the teenager. They’re unlikely to do big business in January too.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk; manchestercity.vitalfootball.co.uk
