Defensive duo John Stones and Ruben Dias both missed the Premier League opener against Burnley and neither will be involved in Athens as City face last season’s Europa League winners Sevilla.
Stones is suffering with an abductor injury, while Dias suffered a blow to the head in training and so faces a seven-day spell on the sidelines in line with concussion protocols.
Bernardo Silva has not made the trip to Greece, reportedly due to illness, while Kevin De Bruyne picked up a hamstring injury in the win over Burnley, forcing him off in the first-half. Pep Guardiola has confirmed the Belgian faces a lengthy period away from action.
“He is injured again unfortunately,” the City boss said. “Same place and position as the Champions League and he will be out for a while.”
In the absence of Stones and Dias, Josko Gvardiol could make his full City debut, having come off the bench late on at Turf Moor. That would likely see Nathan Ake move out to the left-back position he played in regularly last season.
Mateo Kovacic is expected to come into the side, with Phil Foden potentially playing in a deeper midfield role with Silva out. That would leave room for Jack Grealish to return to the starting lineup, having been left on the bench against Burnley.
Predicted Man City XI: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Gvardiol, Ake; Rodri, Kovacic, Foden; Alvarez, Haaland, Grealish
Injuries: Stones, Dias, De Bruyne, Silva
Doubts: None
Time and date: 8pm, Wednesday August 16, 2023
Venue: Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium
