Pep Guardiola issues update on Nico O’Reilly following injury in Everton victory
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided an update on Nico O’Reilly’s fitness following his injury suffered against Everton at the weekend.
The 20-year-old has been one of the standout young figures in Guardiola’s side this season, continuing his rapid rise from academy prospect to first-team regular, and was given another opportunity to impress in Saturday’s Premier League clash against David Moyes’ side at the Etihad Stadium.
However, concerns arose late in the game – which resulted in a 2-0 victory for City – when O’Reilly spotted a problem, prompting Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff to withdraw the midfielder in the final minutes.
The England international has been a consistent performer this season, demonstrating his composure, tactical awareness and adaptability – traits which have earned him praise from Guardiola and his teammates, as well as a first call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Having recently signed a new improved five-year contract keeping him at the club until the summer of 2030, Manchester City have made clear their long-term confidence in Nico O’Reilly’s potential and growing influence in the first team.
Speaking the day after City’s 2-0 victory over David Moyes’ Everton on Saturday afternoon, Pep Guardiola was asked about the injury that forced O’Reilly off the field during the final exchanges of the competition.
“I think it’s a big blow,” Guardiola told reporters at the Etihad Stadium. He continued: “We’ll see but I don’t think it will be dangerous.”
Pep Guardiola’s words will come as a relief to City fans, who have already seen several key players struggle with fitness issues during a demanding match schedule. O’Reilly’s ability to play multiple positions made him an invaluable option in the tactical system, and any time on the sidelines would have been a setback.
As Manchester City’s schedule intensifies ahead of upcoming Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup matches, Nico O’Reilly’s availability will be closely monitored by the club’s medical team in the coming days.
Early indications, however, suggest he could recover quickly and be in contention for selection in Manchester City’s next game, which comes in the form of a trip to Spain to face Villarreal on matchday three of the European competition.
