Manchester City will face Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals short-handed with several key players absent as manager Josep Guardiola continues to manage injuries and absences in a congested December schedule.
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The match, scheduled for Wednesday night at the Etihad Stadium, comes at a time when City are balancing their domestic cup ambitions with the physical demands of playing seven games in a month. Jeremy Doku will miss the quarter-finals with a foot injury that ruled him out of Sunday’s 3-0 Premier League win against Crystal Palace.
The Belgian winger has been one of City’s most dangerous attacking options this season and his absence means the side loses a key source of pace and creativity. Guardiola suggested Doku could be out for two to three weeks, with a possible return to action in early January.
Stones and Rodri also absent due to injury
John Stones and Rodri also remain sidelined as they continue to recover from thigh and hamstring injuries respectively. Both players were also absent against Palace, and their continued absences mean City will be without two of their most influential players in the build-up and defensive phases.
Rodri’s absence is particularly important given his role as the team’s midfield anchor and tempo-setter, but Stone’s versatility in defense and midfield has made him a valuable tactical option under Guardiola. Adding to the injury concerns, City will be without Omar Marmouche and Rayan Ait Nouri for the next few weeks as they are called up for the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
Marmouche will now play for Egypt, while Ait Nouri will join Algeria, further reducing Guardiola’s options at a crucial stage of the season. Their absence will not have a direct impact on the match against Brentford, but it does add to the wider issue of squad rotation over the winter period.
Manchester City remain favorites to win the title
Guardiola acknowledged the situation in a pre-match media conference, noting that Doc, Stones and Rodri remain absent, but the rest of the squad is expected to be available. Despite the missing pieces, City go into the match as strong favorites to win the tournament, backed by their depth and experience.
Manchester City have a proud history in the League Cup, winning the trophy eight times in total and four times under Guardiola. Victories against Huddersfield and Swansea would have already sealed their place in the quarter-finals, and a win against Brentford would take them one step closer to reaching the semi-finals again.
Even if key players are absent, the chance to secure a place in the last four will certainly give the Etihad a high-stakes atmosphere. How City adapt without several regular players will be one of the key storylines as Guardiola’s side look to maintain their dominance in one of their most successful competitions.
