How Manchester City Are Coping Without Key Players: Can Pep’s Squad Depth Win Another Title?

Manchester City has always been known for having one of the deepest squads in world football. But this season, that depth is being tested harder than ever before.

The defending champions are dealing with something they haven’t faced in years – a massive injury crisis that’s affecting their title hopes.

The Injury Crisis That Changed Everything

The biggest blow came early in the season. Rodri, the Spanish midfielder who won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, suffered a devastating knee injury that will keep him out for the entire campaign. Losing Rodri is like losing the engine of a car – everything else struggles to work properly.

But that’s not all. City has been hit by injuries to several other important players. Oscar Bobb, a young talent who was expected to break through this season, got injured and won’t return until 2025. Phil Foden, one of City’s brightest stars, has missed games due to illness. Even Kevin De Bruyne, the club legend, has struggled with fitness problems.

At one point in late 2024, City had over 11 first-team players on the injury list. That’s nearly half of their starting lineup gone.

How Bad Has It Been?

The numbers tell a worrying story. City went through their worst patch in years during November and December 2024, losing four games in a row across all competitions. That kind of losing streak simply doesn’t happen to Pep Guardiola’s teams.

The team that usually dominates opponents suddenly looked vulnerable. Without Rodri controlling the midfield, City struggled to maintain their usual control of games. They lost to teams they would normally beat comfortably.

The impact wasn’t just physical – it was mental too. Players who were left had to work harder, play more minutes, and fill positions they weren’t used to. The confidence that comes from winning was replaced by uncertainty.

Pep’s Solution: Trust the System

But here’s where Guardiola has shown why he’s considered one of the best managers in the world. Instead of panicking, he’s adapted.

City’s medical team has worked tirelessly on recovery programs, using advanced sports science to get players back faster while preventing new injuries. The club’s world-class training facilities at the Etihad Campus have been crucial in managing the crisis.

Guardiola has also gotten creative with his tactics. He’s moved players into new positions, changed formations, and found ways to compete without his usual stars. Young players from the academy have been given chances to prove themselves.

The recent results show this approach is working. City bounced back with important wins, including victories over Crystal Palace and in the Champions League. Their squad depth, which looked thin during the crisis, is now showing its quality.

The Title Race Reality Check

Let’s be honest about where City stands right now. Liverpool sits 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League table after beating City 2-0, making them the favorites to win the title. Arsenal is also ahead of City in the race.

City currently sits in fourth place, which for a team used to winning titles, feels strange. But the season isn’t over yet. There are still many games to play, and City has shown before that they can go on incredible winning runs.

The schedule ahead looks more friendly. City faces teams like Newcastle, Leeds, and Crystal Palace in upcoming matches – all games they should win if they’re back to their best.

What Gives City Hope

Despite everything, there are reasons to believe City can still compete for the title.

First, Erling Haaland is still fit and scoring goals. The Norwegian striker remains one of the deadliest finishers in world football. When he gets chances, he takes them.

Second, some injured players are returning to fitness. The squad is slowly getting healthier, which means Guardiola has more options for his team selections.

Third, this is Manchester City we’re talking about. They have the experience of winning titles in dramatic fashion. They know how to handle pressure and chase down leaders. They’ve done it before.

Finally, Guardiola himself is a master at problem-solving. If anyone can figure out how to overcome this challenge, it’s him.

The Bigger Picture

This season will define how good City’s squad really is. When everything was perfect, with all players fit and playing well, City looked unbeatable. But football isn’t about perfection – it’s about dealing with problems when they come.

The injury crisis has exposed some weaknesses. City clearly relied heavily on Rodri, perhaps too heavily. When he got injured, they struggled to replace his unique skills. That’s a lesson for future team building.

But it’s also shown the character of the team. Instead of giving up when things got tough, City fought back. Players stepped up when needed. The squad showed resilience that will be valuable regardless of where they finish this season.

Can They Win The Title?

Being realistic, winning the Premier League title from this position will be extremely difficult. Liverpool’s 11-point lead is a massive gap to close, especially with Arsenal also in strong form.

But difficult doesn’t mean impossible. In football, anything can happen. Injuries can hit other teams. Form can change quickly. One team’s hot streak can become another’s crisis.

What City needs is consistency. They need to win game after game and hope their rivals slip up. They need their returning players to hit top form immediately. And they need a bit of luck – something that has been missing this season.

The more realistic goal might be securing a Champions League spot and focusing on winning other competitions. City is still in the Champions League, and that remains a major target.

Manchester City’s squad depth is being tested like never before, and the results have been mixed. The injury crisis showed that even the best teams have limits. Losing a player like Rodri had a bigger impact than anyone expected.

But City has shown they’re not done yet. They’re fighting back, adapting to challenges, and slowly finding their form again. Pep Guardiola’s tactical genius is helping the team cope without key players.

Will they win the Premier League? Probably not this year. The gap is too big, and Liverpool looks too strong. But City will fight until the end, and they’ll be stronger for having gone through this difficult period.

Next season, with lessons learned and players back fit, Manchester City will be dangerous again. For now, they’re showing that squad depth isn’t just about having quality players – it’s about having the character to fight when everything goes wrong.

That fighting spirit, more than any individual player, might be Manchester City’s greatest strength after all.

About The Author