Shock or Strategy? The Truth Behind Josko Gvardiol’s Mysterious Manchester City Absence Revealed

Josko Gvardiol found himself sidelined during Manchester City’s commanding Premier League opener against Wolves, an unfortunate wrinkle in what was otherwise a stellar start for Pep Guardiola’s squad. Manchester City didn’t just win—they dominated, steamrolling to a 4-0 victory at Molineux, thanks to fresh faces Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki lighting up the score sheet alongside a lethal brace from Erling Haaland . But while the team’s attack was firing on all cylinders, whispers around Gvardiol’s injury—merely described as a ‘knock’—have left fans and pundits alike wondering about his availability for the imminent face-off against Tottenham. Having also missed the preseason win against Palermo, the Croatian defender’s fitness is the latest puzzle piece that Guardiola must figure out on this promising but delicate roadmap forward. Will Gvardiol don the sky blue again this weekend or will the tactical chess game force him to watch from the sidelines a bit longer? The buzz is certainly building. LEARN MORE

Josko Gvardiol was injured for Manchester City’s Premier League opener against Wolves.

Pep Guardiola’s Man City surged to a 4-0 victory at Mollenieux, with goals from new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki adding to a clinical brace from striker Erling Haaland.

Gvardiol, whose injury has been described as a ‘knock’, also missed City’s pre-season victory over Italian side Palermo in early August. But will he feature in Manchester City’s XI against Tottenham this weekend?

Is Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol available this weekend?

Signed from RB Leipzig in 2023, Gvardiol has operated at left-back for the majority of his time at City and is considered one of the best in the position when fully fit.

The summer arrival of specialist fullback Rayan Ait-Nouri, however, means that Gvardiol will likely revert to his preferred position in central defence upon returning to the side.

Unfortunately, City fans may have to wait a little longer to see Gvardiol back in a blue shirt.

It looks as though Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off against Tottenham will come too soon for the Croatia international, with Guardiola hinting that he is not yet ready to feature.

“[Mateo] Kovacic is not ready, Josko [Gvardiol] is not ready, the others are”, the City boss said before his team’s game against Wolves last time out.

Interestingly, Gvardiol has been included in the Croatia squad for the upcoming international break, suggesting that the talented defender is nearing full fitness.

Although undisclosed, Gvardiol’s injury doesn’t appear to be too serious.

It could be that the 23-year-old will be fit enough to play some part in City’s trip to Brighton on Sunday, August 31.