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This week sees a full round of midweek Premier League games as Man City and their rivals return to league action following the weekend’s FA Cup third round.
After a comprehensive 8-0 win over Salford City, Pep Guardiola’s men will be looking to pick up their fourth win in a row when they travel to take on Brentford at the G-tech Community Stadium. Going into the game, City sit in sixth place in the Premier League table but are just one point behind Newcastle United in fifth place and two points behind Chelsea in fourth. It’s a gap they will be looking to close over the next few days.
Injuries have hampered City so far this season, but players are slowly making their way back. The January transfer window could, however, also have an impact on availability. Here is a look at the latest injury and team news ahead of the clash against Brentford.
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Kyle Walker
Reason for absence: Transfer reasons
Pep Guardiola has not ruled out the right-back returning to action this week, despite confirming that he has asked to leave the club in search of opportunities overseas.
What has been said: “We’ll decide after training. I said what I said and I’m not going to add anything else,” said Guardiola. “I don’t have anything else and Brentford is on my mind.”
Potential return date: Vs Brentford (A) – Tuesday, 14 January.
Rodri
Reason for absence: Knee
The 28-year-old is a long-term absentee after suffering a cruciate ligament injury in the Premier League clash against Arsenal back in September.
What has been said: “It is important he recovers well. If at the end of the season will be good. This is the target.” (Jan 3)
Potential return date: Unknown
Oscar Bobb
Reason for absence: Leg fracture
What has been said: “He’s training already with the team, partially. It’s good news for us… I don’t know [when he will be back], but it’s not muscular. It was a bone, a fracture, and one that is already fixed, so it’s fine. Now it’s [his] physical condition.”
Potential return date: Vs Chelsea (H) – Saturday, 25 January.
Ruben Dias
Reason for absence: Muscle injury
What has been said: “Not yet. He feels better but not ready. I don’t know when.”
Potential return date: Unknown
John Stones
Reason for absence: Hamstring
What has been said: “I didn’t talk with the doctors, but if [John Stones] could not play the second half at Villa Park, it is because he wasn’t ready. We’ll see…” (Dec 24)
Potential return date: Unknown