Manchester City have been dealt a Champions League blow with the probability that Fernandinho will miss the visit of Barcelona later this month.
Manuel Pellegrini's side are hopeful of progression to the quarter-finals, but look like they'll have to face the first leg against the Spanish champions without the Brazilian on February 18.
A thigh problem forced the central midfielder to miss Monday's defeat against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium and there were fears that he would miss up to a month.
+6
Still smiling! Manchester City may be without Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho when Barcelona visit
+6
+6
Micah Richards' tweet
But Fernandinho himself revealed that he will be back in around a fortnight, tweeting: 'I would like to tell you about my injury and quell rumors. I return to play in 15 days or less!'
Problems without him were all too apparent against Jose Mourinho's side, with Yaya Toure struggling to impose himself as normal.
The inclusion of Martin Demichelis went a long way in proving the difficulties Pellegrini has when injuries strike.
+6
Big miss: The Brazilian has been imperious for City since his summer move
+6
Trouble: City were forced to play Martin Demichelis alongside Yaya Toure against Chelsea
+6
Ponder: Pellegrini must choose a suitable midfield comrade for Toure
Fernandinho picked up the knock in training on Sunday, but the club do have genuine midfielders Javi Garcia, Jack Rodwell and James Milner closing full fitness.
As well as the Barcelona clash, the 28-year-old will miss Saturday's trip to Norwich before home games against Sunderland and then Chelsea's return in the FA Cup.
original post found here:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2553081/Massive-Champions-League-blow-Manchester-City-Fernandino-misses-Barcas-knockout-visit.html
No comments:
Post a Comment