Man City injury list: Players out, potential return dates, predicted lineup for next game vs. West Ham

London — When Manchester City step out at the London Stadium on Saturday, they will do so knowing that any further slip-up in the Premier League could end their already-slim title hopes. Pep Guardiola’s side trail leaders Arsenal by seven points with a game in hand, and the mid-week 3-0 capitulation at Real Madrid has only sharpened the focus on every fixture that remains.

The good news for City is that the treatment room is close to empty. Guardiola is expected to ring the changes against a West Ham outfit fighting relegation, with one eye on Tuesday’s decisive Champions League return leg against Madrid at the Etihad.

Injury picture

Right-back Rico Lewis missed the trip to Newcastle after developing a swollen ankle, but the issue is not thought to be serious and he could be reinstated in the match-day squad.

The only long-term absentee is Joško Gvardiol. The Croatian defender sustained a tibia fracture in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on New Year’s Day and underwent surgery shortly afterwards. Club sources say the 23-year-old is facing an extended rehabilitation and may not feature again this season.

Midfielder Mateo Kovačić has endured a more complicated road back. After Achilles surgery last summer, a calcification problem in the ankle stalled progress. Guardiola confirmed in early November that the former Chelsea man would be “out for a while,” and Croatian outlet Sportske Novosti reported a three-to-four-month lay-off. Kovačiic returned to first-team training at the start of March, putting him in contention for the run-in.

Predicted XI vs. West Ham

With the schedule tightening and a Champions League decider only three days away, rotation is inevitable. Ederson is set to start in goal behind a back four likely to feature Kyle Walker, Rúben Dias, Manuel Akanji and Sergio Gómez. Rodri should anchor midfield, supported by Matheus Nunes and Phil Foden, while the front three could see Jérémy Doku, Julián Álvarez and Jack Grealish flanking Erling Haaland.

City have not won at the London Stadium since 2021, a statistic Guardiola will be eager to correct before attention turns to Madrid and a pivotal week that also includes the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal.

Fixtures ahead

West Ham vs. Man City | Premier League | Saturday, March 14 Man City vs. Real Madrid | Champions League Round of 16, second leg | Tuesday, March 17 Arsenal vs. Man City | Carabao Cup final | Sunday, March 22 Man City vs. Liverpool | FA Cup sixth round | Saturday, April 4 Chelsea vs. Man City | Premier League | Sunday, April 12