Kyle Walker and Jack Grealish will play no part in Man City's clash with Everton
Walker was dropped to the bench for City's last match against Aston Villa
Grealish played the full 90 minutes against Villa, but misses out this time
By SAM BROOKES
Published: 06:21 EST, 26 December 2024 | Updated: 06:36 EST, 26 December 2024
Manchester City captain Kyle Walker and Jack Grealish have missed out on the matchday squad for today's Premier League clash with Everton.
Walker was named on the bench for Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa before replacing the injured John Stones at half time.
But this time he is not even in the squad as City look to halt their run of nine defeats in their last 12 matches.
He is joined on the absentee list by Grealish, who played the full 90 minutes against his former club as he was booed by Villa fans over the weekend.
City have stated that Walker is unwell, while Grealish has been deemed short of match fitness.
It is a double blow for Pep Guardiola, with his team down in 7th heading into this afternoon's game.
Kyle Walker has not been included in Man City's squad to face Everton
He is already having to cope without star midfielder Rodri, while Stones, Ruben Dias, Ederson and Matheus Nunes are also currently on the treatment table.
However, Nathan Ake has made a welcome return to the starting XI, with the Dutch international set to be joined by Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji and Josko Gvardiol in defence.
Bernardo Silva will captain the team in the absence of Walker, and Guardiola has picked Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic to play alongside him in midfield, with Savinho, Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland making up the front three.
After an injury-hit campaign, Kevin De Bruyne is only on the bench, while Ilkay Gundogan is also only named among the substitutes.
More to follow...