Manchester City cannot catch a break with injuries this season.
The Blues' campaign has been blighted by injuries across the board and the weekend was no exception. First goalkeeper Ederson was unable to start the match against Brighton, and then sub Bernardo Silva had to himself be replaced after picking up a knock. The hope at City is that neither issue is a serious one but the pair join a host of other players on the sidelines.
Pep Guardiola will be grateful for the international break as he attempts to get players back fit for the final weeks of the campaign as City chase down a Champions League qualifying spot and glory in the FA Cup. Here's the latest from the Etihad treatment table.
READ MORE: Mason Greenwood Man United reunion set as talks confirmed - 'I am very confident'
READ MORE: David De Gea and eight Man United players show true colours after Marcus Rashford update
Bernardo Silva
Injury: Unknown
The midfielder was replaced just 20 minutes after coming off the bench in the draw with Brighton. He seemingly felt he could have stayed on but Guardiola was adamant there was no need to take a risk.
Speaking after the game the City chief said: "I was seeing Bernardo couldn't walk properly. Don't take a risk."
Possible return date: vs Bournemouth (A) - Sunday, March 30
Ederson
Injury: Abdominal
The goalkeeper missed the weekend draw with Brighton with a minor injury. The hope is that the Brazil international, who is set to sit out the March internationals for his country, will return in time for the FA Cup quarter final at Bournemouth.
"Ederson is injured again," Guardiola said on Saturday. "He had something abdominal. Niggles. he had a problem at Forest. I hope [he will be back after international break]."
Possible return date: vs Bournemouth (A) - Sunday, March 30
Nathan Ake
Injury: Foot
The defender was forced off at half time against Plymouth with another injury in a season of knocks and issues both for the Dutchman and the defence as a whole.Guardiola has confirmed he will be out for up to 11 weeks after undergoing surgery on a foot injury.
"Ten to eleven weeks, they said. When it is surgery, it is pretty serious and something wrong happened," Guardiola said of Ake. "He struggled a lot this season with the problems in his feet and it happened."
Possible return date: vs Bournemouth (H) - Sunday, May 18
Rodri
Injury: anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
Rodri has been working hard on his recovery in recent months and has stepped up his recovery. Guardiola teased a possible return ahead of the FA Cup win over Plymouth and the midfielder was on the pitch at the Etihad going through a few drills. He has taken part in an individual training session at the CFA but despite his ambitions to play again before the end of the season and Guardiola's comments, a return is not thought to be imminent..
Possible return date: May/June.
Oscar Bobb
Injury: broken leg
Bobb has not featured in any capacity for City so far this season after breaking a bone in his leg during a training session in pre-season. He has suffered a couple of minor setbacks since his initial return but is now training again and Guardiola delivered a positive update ahead of the game with Brighton.
"He's training now regularly, he feels really, really better," he said "He played a friendly game with the second team to see how, because he has to be on the pitch in the training sessions.
"Now it's difficult for me because we have all the people up front available and bring him some minutes in the situation we are playing. That's why it's going to happen when it's difficult to dictate how he feels, just in the training sessions.
"And it's good to see him for himself, to forget in his mind that 'I'm fine, I'm perfect, I can do what I'm able to do.' And after, of course, you have the same chances as the other ones to be with the team."
Possible return date: Bournemouth (A) March 29.
John Stones
Injury: Thigh
Stones was forced off after just eight minutes against Madrid and it was feared he could require surgery and be sidelined for the rest of the season. But Guardiola offered a positive update last month that means he could return before the campaign is out.
Possible return date: April/May.
Manuel Akanji
Injury: muscle
Akanji faces an extended spell on the sidelines after tearing his adductor muscle in the 3-2 defeat to Madrid at the Etihad Stadium. He was forced off at half-time and Guardiola anticipates he may be out for more than two months.
He said last month: "Surgery on Saturday (last weekend). Eight to ten weeks out. His adductor is broken. We wish the best recovery for Manu because the effort he has done this season has been unbelievable."
Possible return date: late April.
