Manchester City’s season has been plagued by injuries, leaving Pep Guardiola’s squad in disarray. Despite speculation, the club is not expected to pursue Bruno Guimaraes or Martin Zubimendi in the January transfer window.
Last weekend’s crushing defeat in the Manchester derby marked another low point in City’s season, with the reigning champions managing just one win in their last 11 games across all competitions.
This collapse was triggered by Rodri’s season-ending injury, a massive blow to the team’s stability and form.
Former captain Ilkay Gundogan returned to City after a tough year at Barcelona but has struggled to recapture the form that helped the club secure a historic treble.
Similarly, Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva have failed to make a significant impact, while young talent Oscar Bobb has been sidelined since the summer due to another season-ending injury.
Although City has long admired both Bruno and Zubimendi, sources suggest no moves for either player will materialize in January.
Zubimendi, who nearly joined Liverpool last summer, opted to remain at Real Sociedad. Now, with Arsenal emerging as frontrunners for his signature, Mikel Arteta’s potential appointment of Sociedad’s outgoing sporting director, Roberto Olabe, could prove pivotal in securing the midfielder.
Amid City’s struggles, Guardiola has placed his faith in Erling Haaland to lead the turnaround. However, the prolific striker has been unusually quiet, scoring just once in his last five games.
Haaland’s lack of service has left him isolated and out of rhythm, with Guardiola acknowledging that his system isn’t generating the opportunities the Norwegian thrives on.
Despite calls to revert to a false nine system, Guardiola remains firm in his commitment to Haaland. “I prefer to play with Erling,” he said ahead of Saturday’s clash against Aston Villa.
“The way we’re playing right now isn’t creating the chances we need. When surrounded by multiple defenders, it’s difficult for him. We have to improve our game to open up spaces for him.”
As City grapples with form and fitness issues, Guardiola’s ability to adapt and inspire his team will be key to salvaging their season.