Guardiola ready to deploy Echeverri amid Man City injury crisis

Claudio Echeverri, who signed for the club last summer and will join Man City in January, could be a valuable addition to Pep Guardiola's squad amid the ongoing injury crisis. While captain De Bruyne recently returned to the team, the defending champions were without defenders John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Manuel Akanji, midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Rodri, and Phil Foden upfront in their latest draw at Crystal Palace. 

Bernardo Silva spoke post-match insisting that City's squad is too short to cope with their "problem in terms of injuries", as he also added: "If the squad is this short then it is always so difficult for all the players to play three days after three days. Of course, we have to fight with what we have at the moment. But with a squad of 20 players, if you only have 13 available, it is not good enough."

Man City initially planned to loan out the Argentine prodigy to Girona following his arrival next year, but in light of the current situation, Guardiola could look to integrate him from the get-go, as per 'the Mirror'. While it is unrealistic to expect him to save the Citizens' season, Echeverri could help to energise the squad and add some spark to a squad that has been struggling in recent weeks. 

Only 18, the youngster captained Argentina in the Under-17s World Cup and has been tipped to become a star. According to 'the Express', he is regarded as ‘the next Lionel Messi ‘in his home country, where expectations are particularly high for him. Having played his final game for River Plate last night, 'el Diablito' netted 11 goal contributions from 47 appearances, winning a league title, a Super Cup and a Champions' Trophy during his three seasons at the club (two in the senior team). 

The right-footed attacking midfielder could bring a touch of enthusiasm and creativity to City, especially in the final third. Last term's Premier League player of the year Phil Foden has been well below his best and Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish have battled for match fitness, leaving Erling Haaland lone up front. Veronica Brunati reported that Echeverri will begin training under the Spaniard boss at City from January 1st and will 'prepare physically' to quickly adapt to the English top-flight.

 

December 9, 2024