Pablo Zabaleta, Gael Clichy and Fabian Delph were known injury concerns going into the manager’s pre-match press conference but David Silva’s is a new name added to the list of casualties.
It’s a blow for City to lose a man who has arguably been the Premier League’s best player after four rounds.
There was better news when it came to Bacary Sagna who limped out of France’s friendly win over Serbia last week as Manuel confirmed that the in-form full-back is 100% fit.
Manuel said: “The injury list is Zabaleta, he has a problem with his knee and Gael Clichy. Also, Fabian Delph has a hamstring injury. Those three and David Silva has a kick in his ankle.
“Silva is out for tomorrow as I think it would be a risk for him to take another knock. I hope he will be OK for Juventus.
“Fabian worked with us before he went to his national squad – he worked without problems and he played some minutes with our team. It’s very unlucky to have that injury but it happens.
“I don’t know how long Fabian will be out - we’ll see. I think at this moment it will be a month and a half.”
Manuel also hinted that Kevin De Bruyne could make his debut at Selhurst Park in the absence of Silva.
The club’s newest recruit shone for Belgium in the international break and Pellegrini was eager to express his delight at the signing of the former Wolfsburg man.
“Kevin is an important player, like Raheem, he has characteristics we need,” Manuel told journalists.
“His position is easy to settle in our team. He will be a very important player for us. He’s in the squad list, we’ll see tomorrow whether he starts.
“He’s a young player and he’s improved a lot since he was last in the Premier League. I always say that when good players arrive into a good team with good players, I think that they will continue to improve and that’s why he’s here.
“It’s not the best way to arrive to go into international duty but these things happen, he must play for the Belgium team.
“In his position it’s easier to settle in – it’s more difficult when you’re a defender, it’s different work.
“I spoke with him during the week, we work a couple of days and he’s seen what the team is doing.
“I think that he can play in all three positions, on the wings or as a striker with no problems.”
As for Nicolas Otamendi, Manuel revealed that the defender now has a work permit and is eligible to play but suggested that it may be a little while before we see the Argentine defender in action while he takes time to get used to City’s system.
“Otamendi is ready to play – he didn’t work too much with us as he as away with Argentina,” he revealed.
“Before that, we needed the work permit so he travelled to Spain. His position is more difficult to start playing straightaway but he’s 100% and he will play soon.”
On the Manager of the Month award he won earlier today, Manuel was typically humble, dedicating the prize to his players.
He added: “In this profession, you always depend on the performance of the players. It’s always nice to get those trophies but it’s for the players too.”
City begin their Champions League campaign against last season’s finalist Juventus on Tue 15th Sept at 7.45pm. For a first glimpse of new signings Kevin De Bruyne and Nicolas Otamendi, make sure you’re there to support the team for what promises to be an exciting night of European football. Buy your tickets now or enjoy the game in the new 93:20 bar from £67 + VAT.
Hospitality packages also available from £130 + VAT. You can book now online, call our hospitality team on +44 161 444 1894 (option 1, option 2) or email hospitality@mcfc.co.uk.
Show your support for City U19s who also face Juventus, on the same day as the first team, in the UEFA Youth League. Kick-off is 5pm at the Academy Stadium. Tickets available now; Cityzens can redeem a free match ticket for this fixture now and non-Cityzens can purchase tickets.
