Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has offered an update on the fitness of Nico O’Reilly following his injury sustained against Everton at the weekend.
The 20-year-old has been one of the standout young figures in Guardiola’s squad this season, continuing his rapid rise from academy prospect to first-team regular, and was handed another opportunity to impress during Saturday’s Premier League clash against David Moyes’ side at the Etihad Stadium.
However, concern arose late in the match – which resulted in a 2-0 win for City – when O’Reilly picked up an issue, prompting Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff to withdraw the midfielder in the closing minutes.
The England international has been a consistent performer this season, showcasing his composure, tactical awareness, and adaptability – traits that have earned him significant praise from Guardiola and his teammates alike, as well as a first call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s set-up.
Having only recently signed a new and improved five-year contract keeping him at the club until the summer of 2030, Manchester City have made clear their long-term belief in Nico O’Reilly’s potential and growing first-team influence.
Speaking in the aftermath of City’s 2-0 win over David Moyes’ Everton on Saturday afternoon, Pep Guardiola was quizzed on the injury that had forced O’Reilly off the pitch in the closing exchanges of the contest.
“I think it’s a knock,” Guardiola told reporters from the Etihad Stadium. He continued, “We will 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 concerns during a demanding fixture schedule. O’Reilly’s ability to play in multiple positions has made him an invaluable option in the tactical system, and any spell on the sidelines would have been a setback.
With Manchester City’s calendar intensifying ahead of upcoming fixtures in the Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup, 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 swiftly and be in contention for selection in Manchester City’s next outing which comes in the form of a trip to Spain to take on Villarreal on matchday three of European competition.
