Manchester City’s fall from grace in the Premier League has been a dramatic one over the festive period. Defeats against Crystal Palace and Leicester have seen the Citizens slip seven points behind league leaders Liverpool.
There were probably many contributory factors in the Citizens slip-ups. However, one that has been underestimated is the fact that City have been missing key players in the last few weeks.
Influential figures such as Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho, in particular, have all missed recent games. While City have an impressive squad, even Pep Guardiola’s side will miss key players if they are out through injury.
Those injuries may well have cost the Citizens the title when it comes to the end of the season. However, most of the walking wounded have returned for the Citizens, with maybe the exception of De Bruyne.
Fernandinho, Silva and Aguero all played a key part in Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Southampton. Fernandinho was back to control the midfield, while Silva and Aguero both got on the scoresheet.
Those key players have returned at a key time for the Citizens. City face a make or break clash with leaders Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday night.
Pep Guardiola’s side looks set to have the majority of their squad available for the crucial clash against the Reds. Maybe, more importantly, the Citizens most influential players look set to be available for the remainder of the season.
City have a major uphill battle on their hands to wrestle the lead back from Liverpool. However, if they are to claw back the gap on the Merseysiders then they need all their influential players available.
Manchester City are probably the only team in the Premier League that is capable of putting the sort of run necessary to catch Liverpool this season, but Thursday’s game will have a big say in the title race.