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Manchester City midfielder Rodri could be eyeing a return to the squad soon(Image: Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)<\/p>\nManchester City return to action on Saturday when they visit Nottingham Forest in the Premier League’s early kick-off.Manchester City midfielder Rodri could be eyeing a return to the squad soon(Image: Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
With Manchester City unusually not playing on Boxing Day, it is a return to Premier League<\/a> action for the Blues on Saturday when they visit Nottingham Forest. Pep Guardiola’s side sit in a good position as we head towards 2026 having won seven-in-a-row prior to Christmas<\/a>.<\/p>\n However, there are major tests ahead including a brutal January where City<\/a> will be competing on all four fronts. The Blues will also need to navigate this period with a mini injury crisis starting to take shape. Guardiola<\/a> is already missing Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri due to their involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)<\/a>.<\/p>\n On top of that, the City manager could also be missing up to five players heading into the new year. So with this in mind, MEN Sport has taken a look at the Blues’ current injury list before the trip down to Forest.<\/p>\n Rodri<\/p>\n Injury: <\/strong>Hamstring<\/p>\n City<\/a> fans will have been hopeful of seeing Rodri<\/a> back in a matchday squad before the end of 2025. But, as the year has edged towards its conclusion, this has looked less and less likely to happen.<\/p>\n Guardiola has also stressed the need to be cautious on returning Rodri back to competitive football. The City manager recently said: “We have five days before Nottingham [Forest], Sunderland. Nottingham, Sunderland, maybe a few of them will start to be back.”<\/p>\n Potential return date: <\/strong>January 1 vs Sunderland<\/p>\n Jeremy Doku<\/p>\n Injury: <\/strong>Muscular<\/p>\n The Belgian<\/a> suffered an injury during the victory over Real Madrid and Guardiola has stated a return to the team is likely from New Year’s Day onwards.<\/p>\n Potential return date: <\/strong>January 1 vs Sunderland<\/p>\n Oscar Bobb<\/p>\n Injury: <\/strong>Hamstring<\/p>\n Like Rodri, Bobb<\/a> is another one suffering with a hamstring injury. The Norwegian felt his during the opening 20 minutes of the victory over Brentford in the Carabao Cup.<\/p>\n Bobb will have been assessed by the City medical staff and his return is most likely towards the end of next month.<\/p>\n Potential return date: <\/strong>January 2026<\/p>\n John Stones<\/p>\n Injury: <\/strong>Thigh<\/p>\n