De Bruyne injury - Back in Training (p89)

[MAG]

For me Mahrez is the closest to a like-for-like replacement we have for De Bruyne IF Mahrez can step up his defensive workrate. Mahrez has that same sort of long passing range, the through balls and the crosses that De Bruyne can produce and also the long distance shooting and set pieces. Either that or we play the 2 Silva's together but I tend to see the Silva's as being more alike one another and more "tika-taka" type players. Sometimes you need more of the De Bruyne/Mahrez skillset to open up teams that sit deep so I'm hoping Mahrez will step up, raise his defensive workrate and do the job for us in that role.

What I don't want to see is Gundogan playing that role for 10 weeks. He doesn't have the tools to break down teams that we need. Unlike some people, I've seen enough of him playing the deeper role to be content with him filling in for Fernandinho but I've seen nothing to convince me he can consistently produce incisive enough football further forward.

Also could be a big opportunity for Phil Foden to get some extra minutes. He does need to step up though, he was excellent in the community shield but pretty poor most of pre season. Obviously still extremely young but hopefully he can turn it on a bit more now that the season is underway.

I agree with all of this ... +1

 

[blueballs84]

Someone want to remind them we've already beat Arsenal and Chelsea without him?

Might be time for a bet.

 

[simon23]

i recently did my medial ligament....did it surfing....took me about 8 weeks to feel it was 100% but Im 43 and dont have access to the medical staff and treatment. was able to walk on it properly after a week or so bit coukdnt run twist and turn till about week 4 -5 and couldnt put real force (kicking a ball and other such powerful dynamic movements) through multiple plains of movement though till about week 6-7.

plus you have to factor regaining match fitness so reckon 2.5 months minimum.

 

[blueballs84]

i recently did my medial ligament....did it surfing....took me about 8 weeks to feel it was 100% but Im 43 and dont have access to the medical staff and treatment. was able to walk on it properly after a week or so bit coukdnt run twist and turn till about week 4 -5 and couldnt put real force (kicking a ball and other such powerful dynamic movements) through multiple plains of movement though till about week 6-7.

plus you have to factor regaining match fitness so reckon 2.5 months minimum.

Would love to see him make it back as a sub the match before the Derby so he can have a little run out and hopefully be ready against United. That would be around about that 2.5 mth timeframe. He always seems to play a good game against Mourinho. I guess it's all just speculation at this point though.

 

[BlueT.O.]

Spanish Dave?

I love watching D. Silva but its a different emotion for me. Dave is like 90 mins of breathtaking football, whereas De Bruyne and Yaya have these moments that just make your head explode. How blessed are we to get to enjoy watching these types of players week in and out !

 

[vmsuhail]

African shamans at work. We are screwed.

 

[lancs blue]

Talk about over the top ...

I thought the title had already been sorted, beating West Ham 4-0 on the opening weekend is the magic bullet isn't it?

I think we'll get by in KdB's absence, we may have to settle for a 9 point margin rather than 19. ;-)

 

[Jamoid]

It's a big blow but we have players too fill in, and to be honest I'd be more worried if it was Ederson and we had to rely on Bravo

 

[hihosilva]

I can't believe those suggesting Mahrez can fill Kdb's boots!

 

[mancity1]

Lets hope the scans reveal no tear to any ligaments and he he is back quicker than most are forecasting.

As Tolmie mentioned we feared he was gone for a long time after the shocking tackle at Selhurst Park and he played later that week.

You have to think it will be sometime on the sidelines though with 10 weeks the worse case scenario hopefully ala last time he had a lateral ligament injury.