Manchester City suffer double defensive injury scare as Chelsea win ahead of United clash

Pep Guardiola is likely to be a little concerned about the fitness of two full-back options for the FA Community Shield clash with Manchester United.

City are now on their way to Manchester, where they look to finalise their preparations for the start of the new competitive season with the return of key players to the City Football Academy this week.

After three successive defeats in the United States, Guardiola’s men ended their tour of the country on a high with an emphatic 4-2 win over Premier League rivals Chelsea in Ohio, featuring a hat-trick from Erling Haaland and impressive performances from Oscar Bobb and James McAtee.

But while there were notable positives from the individual performances against Enzo Maresca’s side, a dual concern for Pep Guardiola emerged either side of half-time regarding his two starting full-back options.

Late in the half, Josh Wilson-Esbrand became Manchester City’s first casualty of their relentless American schedule, succumbing to a right hamstring problem that forced him off at half-time.

The Englishman was later replaced by Tomas Galvez as the Finn played the remainder of the match in his natural left-back position and impressed with his pace in attacking areas.

But the worries didn’t end there for the Premier League champions as Rico Lewis was forced off after an accidental collision with Raheem Sterling inside the Manchester City penalty area in the second half.

Despite originally continuing, Lewis would fall to the ground minutes later, indicating that a substitution was necessary. However, speaking after the game, Pep Guardiola confirmed that the reason behind the change was in fact cramp.

It remains to be seen whether Wilson-Esbrand has suffered a problem that could jeopardise any hopes of a loan move for next season, having returned for pre-season after spells at Stade Rennes and Cardiff City last season.

Manchester City face Manchester United in the traditional season opener next weekend, with the Premier League champions taking on last season’s FA Cup winners at the iconic Wembley Stadium.