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Football

Man City Sweating on In-Form Gundogan Fitness

Ilkay Gundogan. Credit: The Sunday Times/News Licensing
Ilkay Gundogan. Credit: The Sunday Times/News Licensing

In-form Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan looks set to have a race against time to be fit for Wednesday’s English Premier League clash away to Everton.

Germany international Gundogan scored two goals and won the penalty for the other in Manchester City’s 3-0 victory over Tottenham on Saturday.

However, the reigning Premier League Player of the Month limped off in the 69th minute, with City boss Pep Guardiola confirming there was an injury concern.

“We will see tomorrow,” Guardiola said after the game on Saturday.

“He told me it was tight. He is intelligent to say it, but we will see tomorrow.”

City are yet to reveal any news from the likely scans Gundogan would have undergone, which isn’t a promising sign with a short turnaround to Wednesday’s game.

Guardiola’s side are seven points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand, being their midweek game against Everton.

City have won 16 matches in a row in all competitions to race clear of the pack, with Gundogan playing a significant role during that streak.

The former Borussia Dortmund man has scored 11 goals since mid-December, when City’s run commenced after a 1-1 draw with West Bromwich.

He is widely expected to be voted the Premier League’s Player of the Month for February, after winning the gong in January.

City may be boosted by the return from injury of Sergio Aguero soon, after being among the subs against Spurs.

“He is OK,” Guardiola said. “Yesterday he had a tough training situation.

“We have to take things step by step. As soon as he gets a bit of physical condition and he has the chance to play, he will play.”