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Manchester City return to action tonight when they host Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals
Manchester City are looking to keep their momentum up tonight when they host Brentford in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. The Blues head into the fixture full of confidence thanks to a 3-0 win at Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon. The result left City keeping pace with leaders Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola's attention now pivots slightly to the League Cup, a competition he has won on four occasions. City know they are without Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri for definite tonight as the duo prepare to represent their countries at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
However, there are further concerns for Guardiola which could require him to make a series of changes to his side. In his pre-match press conference, the City boss insisted the West Ham game on Saturday was more important than this fixture. And with the Blues struggling with some injuries, it seems Guardiola wil be forced to rotate.
With this in mind, MEN Sport has taken a look at the latest injury news for City.
Jeremy Doku
Injury: Muscular
Guardiola confirmed Doku picked up a leg injury in the victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League. This prevented the Belgian from travelling to Palace on Sunday.
The winger is now set to be missing for the festive period as he recuperates.
Potential return date: January 2026
Rodri
Injury: Hamstring
City have been coy over the fitness of Rodri since picking up his own muscular injury in the victory over Bournemouth. Both Guardiola and his assistant Kolo Toure have insisted the midfielder is in the process of returning and is on the grass but exactly when he will be back is being kept under wraps.
Potential return date: December 2025/January 2026
John Stones
Injury: Thigh
Stones seemed the most likely to return to the team on Sunday against Palace after Toure's positive update pre-match. The Ivorian indicated the defender would be 'back soon' as his problem was not too big.
Potential return date: Brentford - December 17, 2025
Mateo Kovacic
Injury: Ankle
City's only player not closing in on a return at present is Kovacic. He has an ankle issue which is taking some time to overcome with Guardiola indicating his return will be in 'the last part of the season'.
Potential return date: February 2026
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