Manchester City's new club-record signing Elliot Anderson was withdrawn with an apparent injury in the second-half of their 2026/27 Premier League opener against Bournemouth.
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The Blues fell behind in their Premier League opener courtesy of Marcus Tavernier’s strike after just 26 minutes, despite having made a positive start against the Cherries but largely struggling to take true control of the opening half.
Enzo Maresca raised eyebrows with his team selection for his first Premier League fixture as Manchester City manager on Sunday afternoon, mainly the Italian's decision to deploy Marc Guehi in central defensive midfield alongside Anderson.
Striker Erling Haaland - sporting his eye-catching haircut in ditching his iconic long blonde locks - passed up a glorious chance to open proceedings early on, with Guehi also missing an open header from a few yards away from the Bournemouth goal after the restart.
However, as Manchester City navigate the opening weeks of their new era under Maresca, the Blues were handed an injury concern heading into the final week of the summer transfer window.
Anderson sustains Premier League debut injury concern
Elliot Anderson was taken off with what initially seemed to be an injury, with the nature and extent remaining unknown at the full-time whistle, 62 minutes into Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon.
Mateo Kovacic replaced the 23-year-old as Manchester City sought to overturn a one-goal deficit, with Marc Guehi also missing an open goal header as the hosts squandered a series of chances to restore parity.
City went on to win courtesy of late goals from Guehi and Josko Gvardiol, the latter’s winner being overturned by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after it was initially adjudged offside.
Whilst it initially remained to be seen whether Elliot Anderson’s substitution was just a precautionary measure, or whether the former Nottingham Forest star was indeed set for a spell on the sidelines, Enzo Maresca issued an update during an interview with the club's official media channels.
Speaking after the contest, Enzo Maresca said, "I think it was cramp," when asked about Elliot Anderson's withdrawal. He continued, "That's why I said we still have four or five players that they are not 100% [fit], and he is one of them."
Man City's final transfer business in window's last week
City have agreed a €100 million (€95 million upfront, €5 million in add-ons) with Lille for the signing of Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is set to undergo a medical in Manchester on Monday after agreeing personal terms over a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.
Lille and Manchester City have come to an agreement over a transfer for Ayyoub Bouaddi to the Etihad Stadium, it is being reported.cityxtra.co.ukMan City and Lille Reach Full Agreement on Ayyoub Bouaddi
Lille and Manchester City have come to an agreement over a transfer for Ayyoub Bouaddi to the Etihad Stadium, it is being reported.
After recently sanctioning the exits of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders to Barcelona and Al Qadsiah respectively, Manchester City are still in the market for another midfielder amid interest in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and AS Roma’s Manu Kone.
City avoided a scare against Bournemouth on Sunday but Enzo Maresca will be keen to put the work in training ahead of next week’s trip down south to face Crystal Palace.
The Italian coach is expected to provide an update on Anderson’s fitness later this week, with Manchester City expected to have completed the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi in the coming days - in time for the 18-year-old to be registered to feature against the Eagles on Friday night.