Manchester City remain in the midst of an injury crisis ahead of a must-win Champions League tie against Galatasaray.
Pep Guardiola’s side have lost three of their key central defenders to long-term injuries - John Stones, Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias - leaving City incredibly short at the heart of defence.
Abdukodir Khusanov and Nathan Ake were their only two senior options to deputise, while youngster Max Alleyne was recalled from his loan spell at Watford.
It prompted City to move quickly in the transfer market to land Marc Guehi for £20million, though the England international cannot be added to City’s Champions League squad until the knockout stages. The same is true of Antoine Semenyo.
Now, City are in need of a victory to help them into the knockout stages of Europe’s top competition, and they take on Galatasaray in a crucial game at the Etihad Stadium knowing that it is win or bust.
Guardiola’s men are 11th in the table and within reach of a top-eight finish, but they need results on the final matchday to go in their favour if they are to avoid a play-off round to reach the last 16.
On the fitness front, City rested star men Erling Haaland and Phil Foden from the start against Wolves, but both players were brought on as second-half substitutes.
Guardiola explained that Haaland was “exhausted” from his recent games, and that the striker’s minutes were being managed.
Omar Marmoush started up top in Haaland’s place, while Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders were the free No8s.
It meant that Semenyo and Rayan Cherki were out wide once more, with Savinho and Oscar Bobb both sidelined, and Jeremy Doku amongst the substitutes.
It remains to be seen how Guardiola will line his side up here - not that he has that many options to pick from.
Doku spoke alongside Guardiola in the pre-match press conference, suggesting he is in for a start on Wednesday.
Nico Gonzalez, the back-up defensive midfielder, is facing a late fitness test, while problems persist in defence.
Rico Lewis and Rayan Ait-Nouri could replace Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly at full-back, but that seems unlikely.
You would expect, then, three changes from Guardiola for this game, with Doku, Foden and Haaland all reintroduced to the starting XI.
Predicted Man City XI (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Alleyne, O’Reilly; Rodri; Cherki, Reijnders, Foden, Doku; Haaland
Injured: Dias, Stones, Gvardiol, Nico, Bobb, Savinho, Kovacic
Ineligible: Semenyo, Guehi
Date and time: 8pm GMT on Wednesday, January 28
Venue: Etihad Stadium
How to watch: TNT Sports
