Nico González
MCISpain
Right
Jan 3, 2002
24
6'2"
194 lb
CM
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Deep-Lying Playmaker
Man CityRotational role in midfield
Gonzalez has been on the bench in each of the last five matches and appears to have settled into a rotational role in midfield.
Analysis: Gonzalez continues to operate as a depth option in midfield, offering physicality, composure and ball retention when called upon. However, his role has shifted since Rodri's return from injury, with Gonzalez now mainly featuring off the bench or in rotation rather than as a regular starter, having been on the bench in each of the last five matches while playing just 44 minutes. He has logged 32 appearances across all competitions this season, including 15 starts in the Premier League, recording one goal and limited attacking output while focusing primarily on his defensive duties.
Starts on bench
Gonzalez (undisclosed) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against Galatasaray.
Analysis: Gonzalez was a late call for Wednesday but appears to have passed his testing, with the midfielder earning a spot on the bench. After the return of Rodri, Gonzalez's time will take a hit, set for more of a rotational option.
Late call against Galatasaray
Gonzalez (undisclosed) will be a late fitness call after the final training session ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Galatasaray, coach Pep Guardiola said in the press conference, according to City Xtra. "Today is the last training [session before the game], we'll assess today."
Analysis: Gonzalez missed the last three games across all competitions due to undisclosed reasons and will be a late call after the final training session ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Galatasaray. The club will hope to see his midfielder fit since he is the main option to replace Rodri (suspension) in the defensive midfield against the lions. If he had to miss another game, Tijjani Reijnders will likely play as a number six for the Citizens on Wednesday.
Remains out Saturday
Gonzalez (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Wolves.
Analysis: Gonzalez remains unavailable for Saturday's clash against Wolves after missing the last two matches across all competitions due to an undisclosed issue. The midfielder is not cleared in time and sits out a third consecutive match. With Rodri suspended in the Champions League, the club likely continues to prioritize Gonzalez's recovery ahead of Wednesday's clash against Galatasaray.
Unlikely to play Saturday
Gonzalez (undisclosed) is unlikely to be available for Saturday's clash against Wolves, coach Pep Guardiola said in the press conference. "Nico, I don't think [he will play]."
Analysis: Gonzalez missed the last two games across all competitions due to an undisclosed issue and remains a big doubt for Saturday's clash against Wolves. The midfielder will likely miss a third game for the Citizens except if he can quickly recover ahead of the game. That said, with the recent suspension of Rodri in the Champions League, the staff will likely no risk him agaisnt the Wolves in order to let him recover for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Galatasaray for the last match of the league phase.
Out for Manchester derby
Gonzalez (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's derby against Manchester United.
Analysis: Gonzalez is ruled out of Saturday's Manchester derby after failing to recover fully from an undisclosed injury. Although he returned to training Friday, he does not pass late fitness testing after missing the previous match and the midweek FA Cup fixture due to a knock. His absence is unlikely to impact much the starting XI since Rodri is the undisputed starter in the defensive midfield when fit and available.
Late call to face United
Gonzalez (undisclosed) is questionable for Saturday's match against Manchester United, according to manager Pep Guardiola. "We will see how he [Nico] is this afternoon in training."
Analysis: Gonzalez looks to be set for some testing heading into Saturday's contest, as he is now a late call after he was back in training Friday. This is after missing their last with an undisclosed injury, with a knock being too much for a midweek FA Cup match. The question is whether he will start or be on the bench if an option Saturday, a starter in recent weeks, but likely to get relegated to a bench role after the return of Rodri.
Out Tuesday with knock
Gonzalez missed Tuesday's EFL Cup matchup against Newcastle due to an issue that manager Pep Guardiola has described as an "incredible knock", Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News reports.
Analysis: Gonzalez's availability for the upcoming Manchester derby in league play will likely be a late decision, with the midfielder still working on his recovery. He previously dealt with a minor calf issue, but he has made 14 starts since November. The current options to feature in Gonzalez's place are Rodri and Nico O'Reilly.
Starting in return
Gonzalez (calf) is in the starting XI for Wednesday's match against Brighton.
Analysis: Gonzalez is back from his injury after he was expected to be an option, with the midfielder not just fit but in the starting XI immediately. He continues to serve in the midfield for the club in place of a recovering Rodri, although with Rodri now fit from the bench, Gonzalez could see the end of his starting time soon.
Available against Brighton
Gonzalez (calf) is doing fine and is an option for Wednesday's clash against Brighton, coach Pep Guardiola said in the press conference. "He's fine."
Analysis: Gonzalez missed the last game due to a calf injury but is doing fine and is back available for Wednesday's clash against Brighton. The midfielder has been an undisputed starter this season in the heart of the game, but with the return of Rodri, it remains to be seen what role he will hold for the Citizens.
Left off team sheet
Gonzalez (calf) is out for Sunday's match against Chelsea.
Analysis: Gonzalez is not in the call after a calf issue took him out of the last match, his first absence all season. Luckily for the club, they have recovered Rodri, gaining back their main anchor in the midfield. Even once Gonzalez returns, he could be stuck in a bench role once again after the return of Rodri.
Status for Sunday undetermined
Gonzalez (calf) is questionable for Sunday's match against Chelsea, according to manager Pep Guardiola. "In this period, to have two games away is so demanding. You know, Christmas times always happen, and it has been a tough two games at Nottingham Forest and [at Sunderland], so yeah, we have to see. I will talk with the doctors, with the physios, and we will see."
Analysis: Gonzalez was taken off at halftime Thursday due to a potential injury, and his status is still up in the air, with the midfielder's health not clearly noted. This is a major question mark for Sunday's match, as following the return of Rodri, both will be questionable to see the start in the anchor role for the club. If he is unable to play, Rodri is unlikely to receive a full 90 minutes, with Rico Lewis potentially seeing some time in the midfield role.
Subs off at halftime Thursday
Gonzalez was unable to continue playing after 45 minutes of Thursday's matchup versus Sunderland.
Analysis: Gonzalez faced physical struggles after taking a blow to the left calf during the first half of the game. The defensive midfielder, who has started 12 times in a row across all competitions, is now a serious doubt for the next clash with Chelsea. His spot may be filled by either Rodri or Tijjani Reijnders among those who were on the bench against Sunderland.
Continues as midfield anchor
Gonzalez generated one cross (one accurate) and two interceptions in Saturday's 3-0 victory against West Ham United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 28th minute.
Analysis: Gonzalez was once again in a starting role Saturday, a familiar sight this campaign for the expected backup as he awaits the return of Rodri from his injury problems. He serves more as a deep-lying playmaker and an anchor in the defense, holding him to only one goal and no assists in 16 appearances (12 starts) this season.
Finds back of net
Nico scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 3-0 victory over Liverpool. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 27th minute.
Analysis: Nico was called into the starting XI again for the injured Rodri (undisclosed) and had a solid outing, scoring a goal in injury time of the first half. This is his first goal in league play this season, also his first goal contribution. He will remain in a starting role as long as Rodri remains out, although he could return after the break.
Option off bench
Nico (foot) is on the bench for Sunday's trip to Aston Villa.
Analysis: Nico is back on the bench for Sunday's clash after overcoming a foot issue. It was just a knock, and as expected the midfielder is fit enough to return to the starting XI straight away for the clash with Villa. Nico has been a consistent depth option and has appeared in all but one match this season.
Late call Sunday
Gonzalez (foot) is a late call for Sunday's clash against Aston Villa, coach Pep Guardiola said in the press conference. "I didn't see the doctors. We will see today and tomorrow how he feels."
Analysis: Gonzalez was forced off in the second half of Tuesday's Champions League clash after suffering a knock on his foot and will be a late call for Sunday's clash against the Villains since he will have to be assessed after the final training session. With the absence of Rodri (hamstring), and if he has to miss the game as well, Mateo Kovacic will be the favorite to step in the midfield on Sunday.
Suffers feet knock
Gonzalez was forced off in the 57th minute of Tuesday's 2-0 win over Villarreal due to a knock on his feet, coach Pep Guardiola said in a press conference, according to the Manchester Evening News. "Nico had a knock on his feet, we will see."
Analysis: Gonzalez will be assessed in the coming days after suffering a knock to his foot in Tuesday's Champions League clash against Villarreal. A potential absence of the Spaniard would be a blow for Manchester City since Rodri (hamstring) is also sidelined for some time, leaving limited options in defensive midfield. Mateo Kovacic is expected to have a greater role despite not being fully fit if both are unavailable.
Off injured
Gonzalez was brought off with an apparent injury during Tuesday's trip to Villarreal.
Analysis: Gonzalez picked up an injury during the second half of Tuesday's clash and was brought off. The midfielder was replaced by Mateo Kovacic for the remainder of the match. Gonzalez's status is worth monitoring going into a trip to Aston Villa on Sunday.
Rare start in cup
Gonzalez got the start during Wednesday's 2-0 win over Huddersfield in the Carabao Cup.
Analysis: Gonzalez started the first two matches of the Premier League, but has since fallen out of favor. He returned to the starting XI for Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash with Huddersfield Town. The midfielder should remain a rotational option moving forward with City competing in so many competitions.
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