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Manchester City return to action on Saturday when they visit Nottingham Forest in the Premier League's early kick-off.
With Manchester City unusually not playing on Boxing Day, it is a return to Premier League action for the Blues on Saturday when they visit Nottingham Forest. Pep Guardiola's side sit in a good position as we head towards 2026 having won seven-in-a-row prior to Christmas.
However, there are major tests ahead including a brutal January where City will be competing on all four fronts. The Blues will also need to navigate this period with a mini injury crisis starting to take shape. Guardiola is already missing Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri due to their involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
On top of that, the City manager could also be missing up to five players heading into the new year. So with this in mind, MEN Sport has taken a look at the Blues' current injury list before the trip down to Forest.
Rodri
Injury: Hamstring
City fans will have been hopeful of seeing Rodri back in a matchday squad before the end of 2025. But, as the year has edged towards its conclusion, this has looked less and less likely to happen.
Guardiola has also stressed the need to be cautious on returning Rodri back to competitive football. The City manager recently said: "We have five days before Nottingham [Forest], Sunderland. Nottingham, Sunderland, maybe a few of them will start to be back."
Potential return date: January 1 vs Sunderland
Jeremy Doku
Injury: Muscular
The Belgian suffered an injury during the victory over Real Madrid and Guardiola has stated a return to the team is likely from New Year's Day onwards.
Potential return date: January 1 vs Sunderland
Oscar Bobb
Injury: Hamstring
Like Rodri, Bobb is another one suffering with a hamstring injury. The Norwegian felt his during the opening 20 minutes of the victory over Brentford in the Carabao Cup.
Bobb will have been assessed by the City medical staff and his return is most likely towards the end of next month.
Potential return date: January 2026
John Stones
Injury: Thigh
Stones is the main hope in terms of a City return on Saturday. Kolo Toure was confident before the Crystal Palace win that Stones would not be out for too much longer.
With Guardiola stating some players could start returning against Forest, Stones seems to be in the best position to do that.
Potential return date: December 27 vs Nottingham Forest
Mateo Kovacic
Injury: Ankle
Kovacic remains the only long-term absentee in the City squad. Guardiola was pessimistic in November regarding his return date stating it would more than likely be the latter stages of the season when the former Chelsea man returns.
Potential return date: February 2026
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