The Manchester City squad has been hit by illness ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup third-round tie against Huddersfield Town. The FA Cup holders will begin their defence of the trophy at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday and may have to do so with a depleted squad.
Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes, Kalvin Phillips and Scott Carson have all suffered from illness Pep Guardiola revealed. The City manager was speaking during his pre-game press conference ahead of Sunday’s tie.
Guardiola told the media when asked about the condition of his squad: “Kalvin (Phillips) has congestion or fever, and we have a few (with it) unfortunately. Four players have problems. Bernardo (Silva), Scotty (Carson), and Kalvin, and Matheus (Nunes), like many people I think in this time, are suffering.”
The treble winners will also be without midfield general Rodri. The Spanish international has been granted time away from the club due to the passing of his grandmother. The City manager told the media in regards to Rodri: “Rodri unfortunately his grandma passed away yesterday. He will not be here. Family issues are most important. Hopefully, he will be back soon. Family is most important.”
It will be a blow for the FA Cup holders to begin their defence of the title won last season with such a depleted squad. The game may now present an opportunity for some of the City academy players to make an impression.
With January being a quiet month with a lighter schedule it does allow time for the Manchester City players to recover from illness and injury.
