Guardiola facing selection dilemma as news on injury setback emerges – report

The Man City fans in the Transfer Tavern are still feeling rather glum after their side’s unbeaten run came to an end over the weekend. Though it has been a fantastic season for the Citizens, and they’re still far ahead of their rivals in the Premier League, Liverpool were able to dispatch with them after a clinical display early on in the second half.

Though Pep Guardiola was likely hoping to leave Anfield with three points, he ended up leaving with none – with nothing but an injury to Fabian Delph to show for it. Delph was withdrawn during the first-half of the game, and our resident Citizens have been sweating on his fitness ever since.

Unfortunately for Pep Guardiola, Man City expert and Goal journalist Sam Lee has now confirmed that the first indications suggest that Delph is likely to be out for around two weeks. Though, as Lee says, it could have been far worse, that’s still a blow for Pep Guardiola – especially given his lack of options at left-back.

City players were in for a post-match debrief this morning but have been given time off until Thursday.

First indications are that Delph’s out for two weeks with a muscle problem, which is better than I had heard initially.

— Sam Lee (@SamLee) January 15, 2018

Of course, Fabian Delph has been forced to play as a left-back for much of the season following a long-term injury to Benjamin Mendy, and now with Delph out of the fold – Guardiola has a significant injury dilemma on his hands.

Man City have a fair few fixtures ahead of them over the coming weeks, with Delph likely to miss at least three games if his two-week layoff begins immediately. That means that he’ll be out of action for Man City’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Bristol City, whilst he may also miss a Premier League clash and an FA Cup game.

Guardiola will need to get his thinking cap on as he looks to replace the Englishman.

Landlord’s Verdict

Though expected to leave the club following Pep Guardiola’s rebuild at the Etihad, Delph has actually rebuilt his own career – and he has certainly deserved his recent extended run in the first team.

So, for Pep Guardiola, his absence is a blow.

The obvious replacement would be Danilo, but he has looked far from comfortable on the left-hand side, and so it’s not that simple. Perhaps Leroy Sane or Oleksandr Zinchenko may be better choices.

Man City fans – thoughts?
Let us know below!