Six Players Who Could Miss Manchester City vs Sunderland Premier League Clash

Manchester City and Sunderland will both be aiming to extend their impressive recent form when they meet at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon. City arrive at the fixture having survived a late scare to secure a dramatic 5–4 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night.

Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland also continued their remarkable start to life back in the Premier League, holding Liverpool to a 1–1 draw at Anfield on Wednesday. The newly promoted side currently sit sixth in the table, just outside the top four following their ascent from the Championship in May.

Here is the latest injury update from both camps:

Manchester City

City’s injury situation remains unchanged from recent weeks.

• Rodri: The midfielder is still unavailable. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Pep Guardiola confirmed that Rodri is improving but will not be fit in time for Saturday’s encounter.

• Mateo Kovačić: The Croatian remains sidelined as he continues his rehabilitation from a long-term ankle injury. The club does not expect the former Chelsea midfielder to return until the latter stages of the campaign, suggesting he may be out until at least February.

Sunderland

The Black Cats received a boost at Anfield with the return of Noah Sadiki, who came through the match without any issues. However, several others remain doubtful or unavailable.

• Aji Alese: The centre-back has yet to feature in the Premier League since Sunderland’s promotion and is expected to remain sidelined with a shoulder injury.

• Habib Diarra: Signed in the summer, Diarra made only four appearances before requiring groin surgery and remains out.

• Leo Hjelde: After undergoing Achilles surgery, the defender made his comeback for the Under-21s last month against Sporting and is edging closer to a first-team return.

• Dennis Cirkin: The full-back is also nearing fitness, with Le Bris describing both Cirkin and Hjelde as “close” to returning during midweek media duties.

Both sides will be hoping their squad depth can carry them through what promises to be a competitive and high-stakes Premier League encounter.