Pep Guardiola will be sweating over the fitness of Ilkay Gundogan’s fitness after he appeared to be nursing a thigh issue and walked out of training on the eve of the Champions League final clash with Chelsea.
Gundogan has established himself as an important player in an advanced role under Guardiola this campaign and has three goals and one assist en route to the all-English affair in Porto.
The German star completed every minute of City’s two-legged semi-final win over PSG and looks certain to start tomorrow night if fully fit.
And while Gundogan should have been feeling fresh after being rested for their 5-0 victory over Everton, there were worrying scenes this evening as he left training early.
Gundogan seemed to be struggling with a thigh issue and looked in some discomfort as Man City’s squad were put through their paces during the session at the Estadio do Dragao, where the final will be staged.
According to Sky Sports, the former Dortmund player came out second best while competing for a cross with Fernandinho.
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Fernandinho was seen putting his arm around Gundogan and the latter spoke with members of City’s coaching staff before leaving the pitch.
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Gundogan walked off the pitch without any assistance but the sight of such a key player failing to complete the session will be a concern for Guardiola.
Gundogan was previously taken off this month after scoring the opener in City’s 3-2 defeat to Brighton. But, Guardiola dismissed concerns over his fitness at the time and insisted he was taken off as a precaution.
Gundogan has enjoyed his best season yet in front of goal with the newly-crowned Premier League champions, netting 17 times in all competitions.
