How Pep Guardiola could fix major issue vs Aston Villa as Man City face Nico Gonzalez blow
Pep Guardiola has already suffered a major setback ahead of Man City’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
Rodri has been plagued by injuries at Man City, with the Spaniard sidelined yet again for the Citizens’ trip to Villarreal on Tuesday, 21 October, throwing Nico Gonzalez into the lineup.
However, after just 57 minutes into Man City’s 2-0 win over Villarreal, the 23-year-old was forced off with an injury, and while Guardiola has already poured cold water on new concerns, fears remain.
The manager is hopeful that the midfielder will be fit for the trip to Villa Park on Sunday, 26 October, but should both holding midfielders be out, here is how City could fix this major issue.
| Nico Gonzalez vs Villarreal | Stats [FotMob] |
| Minutes played | 57 |
| Passing accuracy | 93% (52/56) |
| Touches | 63 |
| Tackles won | 100% (1/1) |
| Recoveries | 4 |
Mateo Kovacic returns at the perfect time
Mateo Kovacic has been battling injuries so far this season, meaning he has often not made it off the bench until getting the last few minutes of the 2-0 win over Everton.
After playing the final 33 minutes in the Champions League, Guardiola could throw the Croatian straight into the lineup, providing a simple fix. He started both Premier League meetings last season.
However, fans have learned to expect the unexpected during the Catalan’s reign.
John Stones proves he can step into midfield as Nico Gonzalez replacement
Mick Brown told Football Insider that Man City plan to agree new terms with John Stones, and it is the England international’s versatility that lends him to Guardiola’s tactics.
Against Villarreal, he was almost faultless, stepping into the middle of the park when the Citizens had possession, rarely losing a battle on the ground or in the air, and cementing his spot in the lineup.
With Nathan Ake back available, and Josko Gvardiol able to play at centre-back, shifting Stones into Gonzalez’s spot could offer a very different solution when facing the Villans this weekend.
Tijjani Reijnders could swap creativity for defensive duties
Tijjani Reijnders is no stranger to playing a more defensive role, having done so numerous times for AC Milan, but he has played far more attacking since moving to Man City.
He has one goal and three assists in 15 appearances so far this season, but if he is to fill in for Gonzalez, Reijnders will need to think much differently if Guardiola can trust him at the base of midfield.
All three of these tactics are possibilities for the Citizens’ trip to Villa Park, and given the surprises that the manager has come out with over the years, a fit Gonzalez might even appear on the bench anyway.