Nico O'Reilly battles for possession with Arsenal's Noni Madueke
Nico O'Reilly battles for possession with Arsenal's Noni Madueke
Nico O’Reilly has quickly become a key player for Manchester City, establishing himself as first choice at left-back.
The 21-year-old has added to his game with some crucial goals in recent weeks, too, scoring twice in the Carabao Cup final and again in last weekend’s 3-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
City will have hoped O’Reilly might pop up again with an important contribution in Sunday’s potential Premier League title decider against Arsenal, but will the youngster be available for selection?
Nico O'Reilly availability for Manchester City assessed
Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola gestures on the touchline
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola gestures on the touchline
Pep Guardiola is sweating on his fitness after he was forced off just after the hour mark against Chelsea and replaced by Rayan Ait-Nouri.
O’Reilly was holding his left hamstring, though it may well have been tightness rather than anything more serious.
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Guardiola did not provide any update on the defender’s injury status, so his withdrawal at Stamford Bridge might have been precautionary.
O’Reilly was said to have been in light training earlier this week, joining in with a recovery session on Monday.
Guardiola will presumably be quizzed about the full-back’s condition in his pre-match press conference.
If O’Reilly is ruled out of the Arsenal clash, Ait-Nouri is an able deputy.
The 24-year-old has only started 10 Premier League games since joining City from Wolves last summer, but has proven quality.
Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola reacts and then substitutes Manchester City's English midfielder #33 Nico O'Reilly
Manchester City are hunting down the league leaders
City will also be hoping that centre-back Ruben Dias could return for the Arsenal game after a month out of action.
Guardiola’s side have struggled with defensive injuries this season, with both John Stones and Josko Gvardiol absent.
But it is testament to the depth of their squad that City will have players ready to fill in should O’Reilly and Dias not recover in time for Sunday’s seismic match.