The trumpeter is pouting his lips; the fanfare is about to begin – football fans finally wave goodbye to the international break, for four weeks at least. Yes, this weekend, football as its meant to be played returns to the Etihad for the traditional Saturday afternoon kick-off when Manchester City host Fulham.
Premier League
Saturday 15 September 2018
Etihad Stadium
Manchester City vs. Fulham
Kick off – 3 pm BST
Referee – Stuart Attwell
The list of live streams & global TV coverage can be found here.
Manchester City player injuries & doubts
Raheem Sterling
Have to give thanks!!!!!???????? pic.twitter.com/afe3dQkgVT
— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) September 1, 2018
The midfielder / forward suffered a back injury while he was with the England squad, but should be fit and available for selection.
Danilo
Pep Guardiola is expected to name the Brazilian in his matchday squad following an ankle knock.
Bernardo Silva
Grande vitória e um prazer receber o prémio de 25 internacionalizações das mãos de um dos melhores da história do nosso futebol! @portugal ???????????? pic.twitter.com/eOfTdH5wXJ
— Bernardo Silva (@BernardoCSilva) September 10, 2018
Portugal pulled Bernardo at halftime against Croatia and is a doubt with a groin complaint.
Kevin De Bruyne
Knee ligament injury sustained last month during training has sidelined Kevin until the middle of November.
Claudio Bravo
Sin Café No Comienza El Día ????????
Buenos Días!!! Good Morning!!! I Just Need My Coffee ????????
Un día menos ???? pic.twitter.com/9UZO3Fuclq— Claudio Bravo Muñoz (@C1audioBravo) September 12, 2018
Another training ground injury (Achilles). Claudio is most likely out for the rest of the season.
Eliaquim Mangala
Squad number 15, Mangala is still nursing a knee injury – no return date.
Philippe Sandler
Very happy to become @ManCity player ????????
Come on City ???????? pic.twitter.com/AyRIw9Wyfa
— Philippe Sandler (@PhilippeSandler) July 31, 2018
Defender Philippe (squad number 34) is also out with a crocked knee and has no return date.
Fulham player injuries & doubts
Tom Cairney (ankle), Floyd Ayite (fitness) and Tim Ream (thigh) are all in with a chance of playing on Saturday, while the match has come a few weeks too early for Neeskens Kebano (ankle).
City’s medical team must be working overtime!