Mateo Kovacic is in doubt for Manchester City’s clash with West Ham due to a back injury it has been reported. The Croatian international has made a fantastic start to life at the Etihad since arriving from Chelsea in the summer.
It has been reported by Croatian media that Kovacic missed Croatia’s Euro 24 qualifiers with a back injury. Jutarnji List reported that the City midfielder had a muscle injury in his back that may force him to miss 10 days of action. It would put the Croatian midfielder out of City’s next two games. The champions play West Ham on the weekend in the Premier. That is followed by their Champions League opener against Red Star Belgrade.
Kovacic commented on his injury situation post Croatia’s game with Latvia. He was optimistic he could return sooner rather than later. He told the media: “I had some problems before the match with Latvia, but now I’m ready,” he said. But I will try to do the last training to the maximum, and the coach will decide. The most ready will play. It’s not easy to play every three days, but it’s the way it is, there’s no other way.”
With Mateo Kovacic reportedly in doubt for the champion’s trip to the London Stadium, all eyes will turn to Pep Guardiola’s pre-game press conference for an update on the midfielder’s condition. He has adapted quickly to life at the treble winners and is forming a key partnership in central midfield with Rodri.
If Kovacic is out of Saturday’s clash it may give new signing Matheus Nunes the chance to make his debut for the club. Also, Kalvin Phillips may be in line for selection after completing 90 minutes for England in their 3-1 win over Scotland.
