Injury nightmare: Manchester City star Oscar Bobb suffers leg fracture on eve of new season

Manchester City have been handed a massive setback ahead of the 24-25 season as Oscar Bobb has fractured a bone in his leg and is set for a spell on the sidelines. The Norweigan attacker was a regular during pre-season for Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens and expected to feature in their Premier League opener against Chelsea on Sunday (August 18).

However, Bobb, 21, suffered a leg fracture in training in a non-contact situation and won’t be available for his side’s trip to Stamford Bridge this weekend. It comes as a massive blow to Guardiola because the young midfielder was a standout performer during the club’s tour of the United States. He also provided the assist for Bernardo Silva’s leveller in a 1-1 draw (7-6 penalty shootout win) against Manchester United in the Community Shield (August 10).

The Oslo-born star enjoyed a breakout 2023-24 season, appearing 26 times across competitions with two goals and as many assists. Guardiola will likely turn to Phil Foden for Sunday’s game although the English attacker hasn’t appeared for the club since the Euro 2024 final. The Spanish coach has other attacking options in Silva, Jeremy Doku and new signing Savio.

Manchester City start the season as champions and are favorites to win the title for an unprecedented fifth season in a row. They face a Chelsea side who have encountered a frustrating pre-season from a results perspective.

“They have the confidence” – Pep Guardiola named Oscar Bobb one of Manchester City youngsters he expected to make an impact this season

Bobb will miss the start of a season in which Guardiola suggested he’d be a prominent member of his Manchester City team along with fellow youngster James McAtee, 21. The midfield duo majorly impressed during pre-season and their manager talked up their potential when speaking to club media:

“They have the standards that we have. I know them, especially McAtee, from a long time ago. We saw Oscar last season. They have the confidence from their mates. They adore them. The can rely on them.”

Bobb joined City’s youth system in July 2019 from Norweigan outfit Valerenga and rose through the youth ranks before making his senior debut in a 5-1 win against Fulham in September 2023 aged 20. He and McAtee are tipped as the future at the Etihad and two gems who could soon become regular starters.