Walker, De Bruyne, Bobb – Man City injury news and return dates as double setback confirmed

De Bruyne has been absent for more than a month with a thigh problem and while the playmaker has returned to light training, he is not yet ready to make his comeback. Walker, meanwhile, was absent from the squad at Molinuex and is another who won’t recover in time for the midweek Champions League date with Sparta Prague. City are hopeful it is nothing serious and the weekend Premier League game with Southampton could see one or both of the experienced City pair return to the squad.

The duo are joined on the injury list by long-term absentees Rodri and Oscar Bobb. Defender Nathan Ake made his return to the matchday squad at Wolves while Manuel Akanji, a doubt before the game, was also fit enough for the bench. Neither player was needed. Here’s

What we know: Walker missed out at Wolves with a fitness issue. He played one of England’s two games during the international break and Guardiola does not expect him to feature in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Potential return date: Southampton (H) October 26

Kevin De Bruyne
Injury: Thigh

What we know: De Bruyne has not featured since picking up an injury against Inter Milan in the Champions League. He is back in light training but won’t play against Sparta Prague on Wednesday night. Considering his recent injury record, the Blues are likely to exercise caution.

Potential return date: Southampton (H) October 26

Rodri
Injury: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

What we know: Rodri has sustained a serious knee injury and will miss the rest of the campaign. The hope for City will be that he can be fit to start when the 2025-26 campaign begins.

Potential return date: August 2025

Oscar Bobb
Injury: Fractured Leg

What we know: The Norwegian suffered his leg break in August and he is now in a race against the clock to come back before the end of the year. The hope is that Bobb will play some part over the festive period.