Manchester City extremely thin in midfield after Ilkay Gündogan injury

Manchester City beat Watford on Wednesday night, but they got some terrible news postgame. Ilkay Gündogan went down with a knee injury, and it’s a very serious one.

“We are going to miss him for a long time,” said City manager Pep Guardiola. “This is the worst news.”

Gündogan’s lengthy injury history is why City was able to get him for just £20 million, despite him being one of the best midfielders in the world when he’s fit. He appeared to finally be settling into City’s team and English soccer after a slow start to the season before this injury, and City’s lack of depth makes it a devastating blow.

Fernandinho has turned in some good performances this season, but Fernando is among the worst midfielders getting regular playing time in the Premier League, while Yaya Touré isn’t effective in a defensive position in his advanced age. City is also without Fabian Delph due to injury.

The Citizens might start asking David Silva or Kevin De Bruyne to play a deeper role, or give more playing time to youngster Aleix García. Basically, they have no good options with Gündogan and Delph out.

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