Manchester City and Southampton face off in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium, with both teams missing key players due to injuries and suspensions.
City’s Recent Form and Path to Semi-Final
City enters the match following a 1-0 Premier League victory over Burnley, which propelled them to the top of the table ahead of Arsenal with five games remaining. They secured their semi-final spot by defeating Liverpool in the quarter-finals, while Southampton advanced after overcoming Arsenal.
Manchester City’s Injury Worries
Several City players will sit out the clash. Midfielder Rodri remains sidelined with a suspected groin injury, having missed the Burnley win. Manager Pep Guardiola shared an update on Rodri’s condition, stating, “He’s better. We don’t want to take a risk. I don’t know yet [if he’ll play vs Everton] – hopefully but we don’t want to take a risk because if he’s injured we will lose him for the next five games and Rodri is so important.”
Defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol also miss the game. Dias continues recovery from an ankle injury sustained earlier this month, and Gvardiol heals from a fractured leg dating back to January.
Southampton’s Absences
The Championship side contends with its own issues. Midfielder Flynn Downes serves a three-match suspension, ruling him out. Defender Jack Stephens raises fitness doubts after withdrawal from the squad during warm-ups ahead of Southampton’s 2-2 Championship draw with Bristol City.
