Aymeric Laporte provides injury update as Man City star looks to provide title race boost
Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte has provided fans with an injury update, after spending three months on the sidelines, and it’s a big boost for Citizens manager Pep Guardiola.
Man City: I wish Aymeric Laporte was back says Pep Guardiola
Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte is hoping to be back in action within six to eight weeks, after a lengthy spell on the touchline. The centre-back admitted that he still needs time to recover, but appears to be slightly ahead of schedule for his return date.
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Laporte’s absence left City with somewhat of an injury crisis at centre-back.
The club chose not to replace long-term captain Vincent Kompany in the summer, after the Belgian decided to leave the Etihad Stadium.
But, after Laporte’s injury, that only left John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi as recognised centre-backs.
Shortly after the extent of Laporte’s injury became more clear, Stones picked up an injury that kept him out for a month.
Man City injury news: Laporte injured his cartilage and meniscus in a match against Brighton (Image: GETTY Images)
Holding midfielder Fernandinho has had to fill the void in the meantime, with Guardiola rotating between Otamendi and Stones to partner the Brazilian.
Earlier this season at Crystal Palace, Guardiola opted to play both Fernandinho and Rodri at centre-back together, despite neither player being a recognised central defender.
Since then, the manager has admitted that he’s been impressed with Fernandinho’s ability to adapt to the role.
He even suggested that the 34-year-old may continue in to play in defence in the future.