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Guardiola: We are in trouble with injuries

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Pep Guardiola says Manchester City are in trouble with injuries after Bernardo Silva became the latest player to be sidelined.

The Portuguese midfielder was withdrawn in the first half of Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Champions League and is likely to miss Saturday’s fixture against Nottingham Forest.

“I didn’t speak to the doctor but apparently for the next game he will not be available to play,” Guardiola told the club’s official website.

“We are in trouble but I am not going to say, ‘Oh, we have a lot of injuries.'”

Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones, Jack Grealish and Mateo Kovacic are also all receiving treatment.

“We have five important players injured,” said Guardiola. “Sustaining that for a long time will be difficult but it is what it is. We cannot have 35 players because that will be chaos for the clubs and go bankrupt.

“Unfortunately it’s a long time for Kevin. John didn’t play. Maybe ‘Kova’ is coming back. Jack has a week or 10 days.

“It is what it is. I prefer to use everyone and, with the players that we have, go for it.”

Pep heaps praise on Rodri
Guardiola can at least continue to call upon Rodri, who delivered a Man of the Match performance last night and scored City’s third goal. His manager feels there isn’t a better player in the world in his position.

“Right now, yeah, he is the best,” Guardiola said. “Hopefully he can be better and improve but he is an extraordinary holding midfielder.

“We were lucky the club signed this player, and when he arrived he was not this type of player. Of course he plays an amount of games and now he is one of the captains. He is a top-class player.

“The goal is top-class but defensively, offensively he reads the play and spaces and knows exactly where men are free.

“Close to the box he is so dangerous. He loves to arrive in the final third and dribble and shoot. He is playing really, really well.”

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AFCON 2025: Yobo to serve as draw assistant

Former Super Eagles defender Joseph Yobo has been selected as one of the draw assistants for the final draw of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The draw ceremony is set to take place today at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, where the 24 qualified teams will discover their paths to the trophy.

Yobo will be joined by other African football icons, including Mustapha Hadji, Serge Aurier, and Aliou Cisse.

The quartet will not only oversee the draw by selecting balls from the pots but will also share their insights on the tournament groups.

The 2025 AFCON finals will be hosted in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

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Super Eagles will succeed under Eric Chelle – Sadiq Umar

Super Eagles forward Umar Sadiq has expressed his support for the team’s new head coach, Eric Chelle, and is optimistic about his success in the role.

Chelle was appointed as the Super Eagles’ head coach earlier this month, a decision that has sparked criticism directed at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Despite the backlash, Sadiq is confident in the 47-year-old’s ability to lead the team effectively.

“You can see what he did in the last AFCON. Everyone thought Mali was one of the favorites,” Sadiq told Sporty TV.

“You can see how they played. They were so good, but they got knocked out in the quarterfinals because, sometimes, it’s not the best team that wins.

“But I can tell you, I watched a lot of Mali’s games because I have a teammate there. You can see how they play, and it’s clear the coach (Chelle) has a lot of great ideas.”

Chelle’s impressive work with Mali during the previous AFCON has given Sadiq confidence that the coach can bring similar success to the Super Eagles.

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‘I’m happy to be out there’ — Dessers opens up on Rangers exit

Cyriel Dessers has expressed his intention to remain at Rangers beyond the winter transfer window despite speculation about his future.

The Nigerian international began the season as Rangers’ first-choice striker but has since lost his spot to Hamza Igamane.

Dessers has been linked with a return to Italy, with reports suggesting interest from Cagliari and Empoli. Spanish club Leganes is also reportedly keen on signing the former Feyenoord forward.

In a recent interview, Dessers acknowledged plans to discuss his status at the club with senior officials. However, the 30-year-old revealed that no such talks have taken place yet.

“No talks at all. I don’t mind that. I try to focus on the football and the things that are happening on the pitch,” Dessers told the Daily Record.

“Those are the things that I can control. And like Sunday at Tannadice, I’m just happy to be out there with the guys, fighting for the points and being important.

“That’s what I want. There’s a lot of unfinished business at Rangers for me. That’s why I kept pushing in the last weeks—in the gym, in training, and in the minutes that you get.”

Despite his recent challenges, Dessers has had an impressive season, scoring 18 goals across all competitions under manager Philippe Clement.