Pep Guardiola has given an update on the injuries in the Man City squad in his pre-match press conference for season opener against Wolves.
It was a brief appearance from the Man City boss on Friday ahead of the Premier League opening weekend.
The conference was dominated by questions on the future of players involved in recent transfer rumours, but we did get some insight into the players who won’t be travelling.
Pep Guadiola embraces Vitor Pereira at Manchester City vs Wolves.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Vitor Pereira’s press conference earlier in the day was far more informative, as he discussed
Pep Guardiola lists three players who won’t be available for Wolves game
With the size and quality of City’s squad, absences aren’t felt like they would be for Wolves, but it’s never a bad thing to find out a couple of world-beaters won’t be travelling to Molineux.
Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic and Savinho are ruled out for Saturday. Savinho is injured from a pre-season game against Palermo, as his future at the club remains uncertain.
The Gvardiol news should be of particular interest to Wolves fans, as it all but assures a Molineux return for Rayan Ait-Nouri.
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Fans will have mixed feelings about one of last season’s stars taking the pitch in a new jersey, but the reception should be warm, given the amicable nature of his departure.
Rodri and Phil Foden are travelling for Wolves match
Another piece of information that might have Wolves fans nervous is the inclusion of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and former PFA Player of the Season Phil Foden in the matchday squad.
Rodri is returning from a serious injury that sidelined him for most of last season, while Foden sustained a minor knock to his ankle in pre-season.
Wolves fans will be hoping that Rodri, in particular, won’t take to the field so soon, and if he does, that he’s rusty from his lengthy absence.
With a squad like City’s, absences are welcome news, but nothing that swings the tide too far in our direction.