COMMENT
Ilkay Gundogan’s cruciate knee ligament injury is bitter news for the midfielder as he beds into Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side but there is, as harsh as it may appear, something of a silver lining.
Guardiola has lamented the news that Gundogan will miss the rest of the season and that is completely understandable, given the Germany international’s versatility and the fact that he would have been expected to find his feet in the team over the coming months.
City appear to be at something of a crossroads at this stage in the season and their performance in the 2-0 victory against Watford on Wednesday - the game in which Gundogan sustained his injury - suggested Guardiola has scaled back his demands.