Nico Gonzalez sustains injury 22 minutes into his Manchester City debut as Pep Guardiola remarks, “Welcome to England.
Nico Gonzalez, Manchester City’s £49 million deadline day signing from Porto, is doubtful for Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid after sustaining an injury just 22 minutes into his debut against Leyton Orient.
Brought in to cover for the injured Rodri in central midfield, Gonzalez was forced off during the FA Cup tie after an awkward landing during a challenge. The 23-year-old appeared to hurt his back and had to be substituted following on-pitch treatment.
To make matters worse for City, League One side Leyton Orient capitalized on the moment, with Jamie Donley lobbing goalkeeper Stefan Ortega from the halfway line. Despite the setback, City managed a 2-1 comeback victory, thanks to goals from Rico Lewis and Kevin De Bruyne.
The injury adds to Pep Guardiola’s concerns ahead of the crucial Champions League play-off first leg against Real Madrid at the Etihad. Gonzalez, previously signed by Porto from Barcelona, had been expected to feature in the match.
Guardiola expressed his frustration over the unpunished challenge that forced Gonzalez off the pitch, telling the BBC, “Welcome to the Premier League and the referees. I think he now fully understands what England is about.” The manager added, “It’s a pity. I don’t know how hard the kick was, but he couldn’t continue.”
City narrowly avoided an FA Cup upset after Donley’s stunning goal. They equalized with a deflected shot from Rico Lewis and secured victory when De Bruyne coolly controlled a long ball and slotted it past Orient’s Josh Keeley in the 80th minute.
