Pep Guardiola confirms first-team absence for Copenhagen clash with selection decision on hold until Wednesday

Redaction Willow Austin with Freddie Pye
Published on 2024-03-05 15:15:00

Pep Guardiola confirmed that Manchester City will be without one key player in their attacking line-up for the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

In his pre-match press conference before the clash with FC Copenhagen, Guardiola emphasized the need for rest and rotation to balance success with injury concerns.

The City manager revealed that Jack Grealish will not be available for the upcoming match due to a groin injury sustained during the FA Cup fifth round win against Luton Town.

“I don’t know how long he will be (ruled out for),” Guardiola continued, in what will be a worrying sign ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League title showdown with Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

With Copenhagen’s visit preceding the Liverpool game and a 3-1 lead from the first-leg in their favor, Guardiola will need to strategize for both fixtures.

The selection for the Copenhagen match will depend on player recovery and fitness, as Guardiola aims to navigate through a busy schedule with an FA Cup quarter-final against Newcastle United and a clash with Arsenal also on the horizon.

Despite the setback, Guardiola remains focused on achieving an unprecedented double Treble this season.

The Manchester City squad will need to step up and fill the void left by Grealish to maintain their title push in both domestic and European competitions.

As the stakes get higher towards the business end of the season, Guardiola’s tactical decisions and player management will be crucial in determining the success of Manchester City’s campaign.

With tough challenges ahead, the team will need to show resilience and adaptability to overcome obstacles and secure their objectives.

Read Original article on City Xtra