Man City forward ruled out of FA Cup semi-final in new injury blow

Manchester City have been handed a fresh injury blow with six players expected to miss the FA Cup semi-final vs Nottingham Forest.

Joe Bray Manchester City writer

14:00, 24 Apr 2025Updated 14:01, 24 Apr 2025

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: Oscar Bobb and James McAtee of Manchester City warm up prior to the 2024 FA Community Shield match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Oscar Bobb's only Man City start this season came at Wembley in August.

Manchester City's last trip to Wembley saw Oscar Bobb dazzle after a brilliant pre-season, setting up Bernardo Silva to send the Community Shield vs Manchester United to penalties.

Pep Guardiola was delighted with Bobb's summer form and predicted a big role for him in the coming campaign, particularly after Julian Alvarez's departure and a vacancy opening up for an alternative to Erling Haaland.

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But Bobb fractured his leg in the week following that Community Shield and the youngster has missed most of City's season as a result. His initial comeback was delayed by a small setback as doctors decided to pause his recovery, and he has only been able to make two substitute appearances off the bench.

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Now, Bobb has suffered a new setback ahead of City's return to Wembley and will miss the FA Cup semi-final vs Nottingham Forest this weekend with a minor hamstring injury. He is expected back before the end of the season.

The news was originally confirmed by Norway boss Stale Solbakken, who said Bobb has picked up a 'minor injury', when he told NRK: "He has suffered another minor injury. I don't know anything about the time perspective, but it is not a serious injury."

Norway team doctor Ola Sand did not deny the injury, telling the publication: "He is a Manchester City player, and they can inform about it if they want."

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Guardiola said it was upsetting to leave players out of his squad ahead of the fixtures against Everton and Aston Villa this week, with Bobb not included in either matchday group along with defender Vitor Reis.

"He didn't recover as expected and it's a long time," Guardiola said after Bobb's belated return against Leicester earlier this month. "Chelsea away the first game [he got injured] and it was long but he cannot forget the warmth of our people. It was really nice and Oscar is a top talented player. His pressing, rhythm.

"Unfortunately now we are in a period where decent minutes is difficult but we are really pleased he's back." Bobb also played 60 minutes for the under-21s last month before his senior return but is yet to complete 90 minutes in any game.

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City will also be without Erling Haaland, John Stones, Nathan Ake and Rodri for the Wembley semi-final, while Ederson is also a major doubt having missed the last two games. Guardiola couldn't confirm how long Ederson would be out for last week having seen the goalkeeper limp off against Crystal Palace a fortnight ago.

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