Manchester City has omitted two of their most prominent players from their squad for the inaugural home Premier League match of the season.
Manu Akanji and Ilkay Gundogan were excluded from the Manchester City squad for the match against Tottenham, which has prompted speculation regarding their futures at the club.
Since the summer, Guardiola has been unequivocal in his desire for a more compact squad, and he has indicated that players would be required to depart in order to achieve this. In June, he stated that although it was commendable that all individuals desired to remain at the club, their sentiments may differ when they are at home on a matchday.
Spurs have incurred the same fate as Akanji and Gundogan, who were excluded from the squad that traveled to Wolves after failing to make an appearance off the bench at Molineux.
Guardiola’s decision will elicit additional inquiries regarding their futures at the club as the transfer window concludes. Akanji is a player who Galatasaray is interested in, and those near the player did not immediately disregard the interest this week.
The amount of game time Gundogan managed for City last season triggered a contract extension. He has expressed his desire to remain at the club this summer, but his minutes may be restricted by the addition of Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders. Both players will start against Tottenham, and Foden is also included in the squad.
Reports from the past week have indicated that Gundogan may also depart City this month, as the Blues have an excessive number of non-homegrown players to include in their Champions League squad.
Galatasaray’s interest in Ederson has resulted in his return to the squad; however, he must make do with a substitute spot. James Trafford maintains his position in the team following an assured debut against Wolves, despite Guardiola’s ambiguity regarding Ederson’s status at the Etihad at the conclusion of the transfer window.
On Saturday, both teams are striving to begin the season with consecutive victories. City defeated Wolves 4-0 on the opening day, while Spurs easily defeated Burnley 3-0.
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