Gvardiol, Bobb, Savinho - Man City injury news and return dates ahead of FA Cup clash

Manchester City welcome Exeter City to the Etihad Stadium this weekend for the FA Cup third round

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola saw his squad options boosted on Friday as Antoine Semenyo arrived from Bournemouth for £62.5m. The winger, who can play on the right and left flanks, as well as in the centre-forward position, has agreed a five-and-a-half year contract with the Blues.

When asked if Semenyo could feature against Exeter City in the FA Cup this weekend, Guardiola confirmed he would be in the squad albeit a decision on whether or not he starts has not yet been made.

Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are both at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) but there is still a host of players missing due to injuries. With this in mind, MEN Sport has taken a look at the latest news from the treatment room.

Josko Gvardiol

Injury: Leg

Guardiola gave the rather bleak assessment that Gvardiol would be out for a long time after breaking his shinbone vs Chelsea. The Croat will be having surgery this week to start his recovery.

Potential return date: April/May 2026

Oscar Bobb

Injury: Hamstring

The Norwegian was substituted last month after feeling his hamstring in the victory over Brentford in the Carabao Cup. Guardiola confirmed on Friday the winger is still injured and has not trained since that night.

Potential return date: January 2026

Savinho

Injury: Knee

After the draw with Brighton, Guardiola confirmed the Brazilian would be out for at least six weeks after suffering an injury to his quadriceps during the clash with Sunderland on New Year's Day.

Potential return date: February 2026

Ruben Dias

Injury: Hamstring

Another casualty from the Chelsea game was Dias. He suffered a hamstring injury which could keep him out for potentially as long as six weeks.

Potential return date: February 2026

John Stones

Injury: Thigh

Kolo Toure's optimism that a return for Stones was just around the corner appears to have vanished now. Guardiola has confirmed he is not available for the upcoming matches but would not be drawn as to exactly when he will return.

Potential return date: January 2026

Mateo Kovacic

Injury: Ankle

Kovacic has had the longest spell out of the team with injury having picked up his problem in October. The Croat has only made two appearances for City this season but there will be some optimism he could return next month.

Potential return date: February 2026