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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola provided fitness updates on two injured players, Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb, ahead of the start of their UEFA Champions League 2024-25 campaign on September 18. The Sky Blues have a defining week ahead, with crucial clashes against Inter Milan (September 18) and Arsenal (September 22).
Pep Guardiola's side has had a perfect start to their Premier League 2024-25 campaign, registering four wins in as many league games and are comfortable table-toppers with 12 points. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal sit below them with 10 points.
The Manchester City manager didn't hide his frustration when commenting on Nathan Ake's injury, saying:
“Injured, I think until the next international break. We are unlucky with Nathan – every time he goes [to play for the Netherlands], he comes back injured.” (via EPL Index).
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The Dutch defender picked up a thigh injury during the Netherlands' 2-2 draw against Germany on September 10. Playing only till the end of the first half, the Manchester City center-back was replaced by Jurrien Timber in the second.
However, Norwegian forward Oscar Bobb isn't as lucky. The 21-year-old fractured a leg bone during a pre-season training session and isn't expected to make a comeback until the end of the year.
“It was in the training session. Unfortunately, he had a big impact and got injured. He is having surgery. Hopefully, it will go well, and he will be back in 3-4 months," reported Pep Guardiola. (via EPL Index)
Statistics in favor of Manchester City in their UEFA Champions League 2024-25 opener against Inter Milan
Pep Guardiola and Co. will start their Champions League campaign with a clash against Simone Inzaghi's Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium. While both teams are well equipped to beat the other, Manchester City have a slight edge if we look at their past clashes.
Manchester City have won two out of the three matches played between the two sides, with Inter Milan securing just one victory. The last game played between the two sides was in the 2023 UEFA Champions League final. The Sky Blues won by a solitary goal scored by Rodri in the 68th minute to clinch their first UEFA Champions League crown.
Finally, the Premier League side has been unbeaten (excluding penalties) in the last 23 games in the UEFA Champions League (won 16 and drawn 7).
They are only two UCL victories away from equaling the longest winning streak in the tournament's history, which is currently held by Manchester United. The Red Devils won 25 Champions League games on the trot from September 2007 to May 2009.
