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Manchester City are looking to win their third game in a row against Sunderland on Saturday afternoon
Manchester City's injury issues did not become more serious on Tuesday night following the thrilling 5-4 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage. The win should have been more straightforward, particularly as City led 5-1 at one stage.
But the three points kept the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League albeit the Gunners continue to have a five-point lead at the summit. The advantage could be even greater by the time City kick off against Sunderland at 3pm as Mikel Arteta's men travel to Aston Villa for Saturday's early game.
Ahead of the clash with Sunderland, MEN Sport has taken a look at the latest news surrounding midfield duo Rodri and Mateo Kovacic and their potential injury return dates.
Rodri
Injury: Hamstring
City have been without Rodri since he picked up a hamstring injury in the victory over Bournemouth. Guardiola has been coy on when the midfielder will return to the squad permanently but he did provide an update on Friday in his press conference.
He said: "Erm no [Rodri is not fit to face Sunderland] but he is getting better. If you are happy with my answer, he is getting better. So I don't know how long in a few weeks he will be ready. Ask me in Madrid."
Potential return date: December/January 2026
Mateo Kovacic
Injury: Ankle
Guardiola provided no new update on the return of Kovacic to the City squad in his pre-Sunderland press conference. Recently, the Blues' head coach insisted it was looking more like months rather than weeks before he returns.
He explained: "He will be out for a while. He still has a problem with the ankle, a little calcification still there. We'll wait on him for the last part of the season."
Potential return date: February 2026
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