Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed that new summer signing Rayan Cherki faces up to two months on the sidelines after picking up an injury.
The French international, who joined City from Lyon, missed Sunday’s 2-1 defeat away to Brighton. Guardiola revealed after the match:
“He’s out for two months. Seven or eight weeks.”
It’s an early setback for the 21-year-old playmaker, who had impressed in training and was tipped to play a big role this season.
Khusanov Knock and Brighton Defeat
January arrival Abdukodir Khusanov made his first start of the season and earned praise from Guardiola, but the Uzbek defender was forced off with a knock before Brighton struck late through Brajan Gruda in the 89th minute.
Guardiola admitted fatigue played a role in City’s defensive lapse:
“It’s tiredness. We attacked in the moment and pressed really well, the clearance was short and we didn’t close the gap… Khusa can handle it because he is so fast but unfortunately he had a knock and that’s why he could not continue.”
Rodri’s Return Brings Positives
There was some good news for City as Rodri made his first Premier League start since suffering a knee injury against Arsenal last September. The Spanish midfielder said he felt physically stronger than expected, though he admitted the team needs to cut out mistakes.
Guardiola echoed that sentiment, urging improvement:
“We start the season right now. Against Wolves we didn’t make mistakes, but we have made mistakes in the beginning. Last season we lost against Spurs and Brighton and this season happened the same.”
