Manchester City Trio Miss Out on Champions League Clash Against Copenhagen
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has decided to exclude Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, and Sergio Gomez from the 21-man travelling squad for the crucial Champions League last-16 first-leg tie against Copenhagen in Denmark.
Both Kovacic and Gomez were notably absent during Manchester City’s recent 2-0 victory over Everton in the Premier League, while Gvardiol was relegated to the bench as an unused substitute.
Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol & Sergio Gomez Absent from Manchester City Training ahead of Copenhagen Clash
The trio’s absence continued during a 15-minute open training session held on Monday morning before the team’s departure to Copenhagen. Despite their regular appearances this season, none of Kovacic, Gvardiol, or Gomez have been selected for the Champions League fixture.
It is speculated that Kovacic and Gvardiol are nursing minor injuries, while the reason for Gomez’s absence remains undisclosed. Despite their struggles for game time under Guardiola this term, all three players have contributed to Manchester City’s campaign, with Kovacic and Gvardiol making 27 appearances each in all competitions.
In their absence, Guardiola has called up academy prospects Mahamadou Susoho and Jacob Wright to bolster the squad. Wright, in particular, was on the bench in the recent match against Everton.
Guardiola, in a press conference ahead of the Copenhagen clash, refrained from providing a fitness update on the squad. Instead, he emphasized the challenges that his side could face against the Danish outfit.
While the absence of Kovacic, Gvardiol, and Gomez is significant, Manchester City still boasts a formidable squad, including star striker Erling Haaland, who has been in scintillating form.
Haaland, the joint-top scorer of the tournament this season, scored twice in Manchester City’s recent victory over Everton and will be a key player to watch against Copenhagen.
City’s travelling squad includes a mix of experienced players such as Ederson, Kyle Walker, and Kevin De Bruyne, along with promising talents like Jacob Wright and Mahamadou Susoho.
The Champions League holders will be keen to secure a positive result against Copenhagen, especially after a goalless stalemate in the reverse fixture last season. With their sights set on Champions League glory, Manchester City will be determined to make their mark in the tournament once again.
Guardiola and his squad will look to navigate past Copenhagen successfully and continue their pursuit of European success in the prestigious competition.