Manchester City's aspirations for another historic triumph face a challenge as they enter Wednesday night's Super Cup final against Sevilla without key player Kevin De Bruyne due to the recurrence of a hamstring injury.
Pep Guardiola, no stranger to De Bruyne's absence, is confronted with the task of guiding his team to victory without their talismanic midfielder.
After re-aggravating a hamstring injury in City’s opening fixture against Burnley, De Bruyne's future on the pitch is uncertain for the remainder of the year, according to reports.
Guardiola's challenge is now compounded by the news that surgery is a recommended course of action following consultations with three medical experts.
However, the Cityzens boss commented on the situation during a news conference, saying: "It's serious... Surgery will be three or four months. It is a blow and a big loss for us."
The Super Cup final, set in Athens, presents a formidable contest against La Liga club Sevilla, a side that clinched the trophy in 2006.
Guardiola expressed his determination to win the coveted title, saying: "We never had this trophy, we've never been invited... This is an honour. We are hungry to compete and challenge ourselves, prove ourselves. If someone wants to take our three crowns, they will have to fight to take it."
As the Spanish coach navigates this challenge, Manchester City are actively pursuing reinforcements. They are advancing in their pursuit of West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta, with a valuation of around £80 million.
Interest in Paqueta predates De Bruyne's latest setback, and the Premier League champions have previously made a £60 million bid for the Brazilian, which was rejected by the East London club.
Nonetheless, Guardiola emphasised the need to look ahead and consider alternative options, asserting: "Opportunities now for the other ones - life gives you that - and I am pretty sure they will take it."
Comments