Bernardo Silva has pointed to Manchester City’s growing injury woes as the key factor behind the team’s poor form, following their 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The Premier League champions have now failed to win in eight of their last nine matches across all competitions.
Mounting Injury List
City’s squad depth has been stretched thin with key players sidelined. Defenders John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Manuel Akanji, along with midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Rodri, are out with injuries. Phil Foden, last season’s Player of the Year, has also missed the last two games due to illness but may return for next weekend’s Manchester derby.
The situation worsened against Palace when Rico Lewis was sent off, ruling him out of the derby as well. With five academy players on the bench against Palace, Silva highlighted the difficulties of maintaining consistency with a depleted squad.
“We don’t feel sorry for ourselves and have to fight anyway,” said Silva. “But with a squad of 20 players, if you only have 13 available, it is not good enough.”
Resilience Amid Struggles
City twice had to come from behind to salvage a point, with Erling Haaland and Lewis scoring after Daniel Munoz and Maxence Lacroix had put Palace ahead. Despite the adversity, Bernardo Silva and manager Pep Guardiola praised the team’s resilience.
“I’m so proud of the team. I liked everything about how we fought,” said Guardiola. “We came back twice and gave everything.”
Critical Fixtures Ahead
City’s packed schedule continues with a vital Champions League trip to Juventus on Wednesday, followed by the Manchester derby on December 15. The club’s ability to navigate this period will likely depend on their injury situation improving.
City remain fourth in the Premier League standings, nine points behind leaders Liverpool, as they strive to regain momentum in a challenging campaign.
