Manuel Pellegrini has vowed to “never complain” about Manchester City’s continued injury problems ahead of Saturday’s game against Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium.
David Silva had hoped to be fit for this weekend’s game, but Pellegrini confirmed he still won’t be in the squad, while Pablo Zabaleta this week joined the injury list.
Zabaleta went off injured against Crystal Palace in midweek, and though it is not as bad as first feared, Pellegrini believes he’ll be absent for almost a month.
“I never complain about the amount of injuries but to keep playing this way with so many missing is important for the trust,” the Chilean manager said.
“Pablo has the same injury in his medial ligament [as at the start of the season] – it’s not so bad as the first one he had. In 25 days he will be ready.
“David [Silva] is not in the squad list for the weekend as he still has some pain in his ankle. He’s not available.”
Sergio Agüero, Gaël Clichy and Fabian Delph are also continuing their treatment, and Pellegrini is hopeful that after November’s international break he will have a fully-fit squad to choose from.
Nevertheless City will remain confident heading into this weekend’s clash, having only conceded eight goals this season, the joint-best record in the division.
Victory would also mean City would have won eight of their first 11 matches of a top-flight season for only the third time, after 2011-12 and 1903-04.
The Citizens go into the weekend with great form against Norwich, having scored 27 goals in their last seven Premier League games against Saturday’s opposition.
This includes a 7-0 victory at the Etihad in November 2013 in the Canaries’ last Premier League season, which equalled the clubs record defeat.
Manchester City full-back Bacary Sagna has warned that Alex Neil’s will prove a stern test for the Citizens however.
“I think it’s going to be a tough game because they have quality players. Every single game is going to be a fight this season for us,” said Sagna.
“They will have a desire to come here and play their best because not many people will expect them to come to City and win so they can play without fear.
“A few years ago if you played a team near the bottom, you were pretty certain you’d win – but not anymore – those days are over.”
Image courtesy of MCFC via YouTube, with thanks.
