MANCHESTER CITY have received a boost after scans showed skipper Fernandinho’s injury is not as bad as first feared.
The versatile Brazilian limped off within a couple of minutes of coming off the bench in Wednesday night’s 3-1 Champions League win over Porto.
Midfielder Fernandinho became Man City’s sixth injury casualty when crocked as a late sub against Porto but may be back within four weeksCredit: PA:Press Association
Etihad boss Pep Guardiola consoles Fernandinho after he lasted just a few minutes at home to Porto on WednesdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Boss Pep Guardiola initially said the injury – believed to be a hamstring – was serious and that the midfielder could be out for up to six weeks.
However, tests have suggested the 35-year-old could be back playing in less than a month – meaning he may be ready after the international break.
Guardiola said: “Results a bit more optimistic, will be shorter than one month and not six weeks. That’s good.
“Until then, a leader can be on or off the pitch, we spend a lot of time together and he can help us.”
Guardiola was already without five players going into the game against the Portuguese champions – with Kevin de Bruyne, Aymeric Laporte, Benjamin Mendy, Gabriel Jesus and Nathan Ake out.
The first two have since returned to training but Brazil striker Jesus is still at least a couple of weeks away.
Guardiola said: “He’s getting better but it was a tough injury – still not trained.
“He’s a guy who gets his form quick but maybe one or two weeks more.
“It’s important to have the whole squad as it gives you more chances to win, we do as much as we can but it’s difficult to control it.
“The players get just two or three weeks of rest and it’s a crazy situation for them.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
