Nachrichten

There were two interested spectators at the Etihad Stadium yesterday as Manchester City laboured to a 3-2 win over Fulham in the Premier League.

A brace from Mateo Kovacic and a strike from Jeremy Doku was enough to cancel out goals from Andreas Pereira and Rodrigo Muniz to claim a hard-earned three points.

It maintained City's unbeaten start to the season and left Pep Guardiola's side one point adrift of league leaders Liverpool ahead of the October international break.

READ MORE: Man City player ratings vs Fulham as Ederson saves but Erling Haaland blanks

READ MORE: I saw what Pep Guardiola did at full-time after difficult 90 minutes for Man City

Injured duo Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake watched on from the stands and Guardiola will hope the two-week break will be enough time to see both players back available for the next run of Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup fixtures.

Here's a round up of the latest Man City injury news.

Kevin De Bruyne

Injury: Pelvis

What we know: De Bruyne has missed City's last four matches since suffering a pelvic injury against Inter Milan in the Champions League last month.

Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco has confirmed De Bruyne has asked to miss the next two international camps in October and November to manage his fitness but Guardiola is hopeful he will return to action for City in the meantime.

What Pep Guardiola has said: " the balance for the upper body and lower body. It's not a big issue but still not good," the manager said. "He knows his body, every player knows it. Especially in that age and after the tough surgery.

"It will be the same with Rodri. I know from my experience, when you have long injuries, after that you have to be careful. The problem with Kevin is just the consequences of the last surgery when he was five months out.

"When that happens, your body becomes unbalanced. Something is right, left. You have to work out of the pitch a lot to make your body as balanced as possible. You cannot play every three days. Because after one year will be perfect. He decide for himself what is best for him. Because the best for him is the best for national team." (October 4)

Potential return date: Wolves (A) - October 20

Rodri

Injury: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

What we know: Before the game in Bratislava, John Stones revealed he spoke with Rodri recently and he discovered the Spaniard's surgery was successful. Rodri is now on the long road to recovery and won't play for City again this season.

Potential return date: August 2025

Oscar Bobb

Injury: Fractured Leg

What we know: The Norwegian suffered his leg break in August after being City's star player of pre-season. Guardiola had high hopes for the young winger this season and is optimistic Bobb will play some part over the festive period.

Potential return date: December

Nathan Ake

Injury: Hamstring

What we know: Ake looked to be in severe pain after coming off with a hamstring injury during the last international break while representing the Netherlands. Guardiola was unimpressed he returned injured and he is expected to return after the international break.

What Guardiola has said: "We expect him back after the international break. Nathan isn't like Phil Foden or another player who is two training sessions and fit. He needs time. I think the information I had yesterday is that he started training on the pitch." (October 4)

Potential return date: Wolves (A) - October 20