Pep Guardiola says Oscar Bobb picked up a hamstring injury in Manchester City’s 2-0 Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Brentford, but the City manager is hopeful it will not be a serious problem.
The City midfielder was substituted in the 19th minute and replaced by Phil Foden before goals from Rayan Cherki and Savinho sent Guardiola’s side into the last four. Norway international Bobb, 22, went straight down the tunnel when he left the pitch.
“After 10, 15 minutes, (Bobb) complained about a muscular rhythm,” Guardiola said in his post-match press conference.
“Apparently it’s a muscular injury in the hamstring. Hopefully it’s not a big, big one and can be back soon.”
City made seven changes for the match at the Etihad Stadium, but Bobb’s early injury meant Guardiola had to introduce Foden early in the game and he played until the 82nd minute when 19-year-old Charlie Gray came on for his senior debut.
Guardiola wanted to make more changes to his starting line-up and did not want Nico O’Reilly having to feature too much. He was replaced by Josko Gvardiol in the 65th minute. City face West Ham on Saturday as they look to keep pace with Arsenal in the Premier League title race. They currently trail the leaders by two points.
“I didn’t want to play Nico O’Reilly for another 90 minutes, we have a massively important game against West Ham,” Guardiola said.
“Phil, I didn’t want to play that many minutes, but the injury to Oscar happened, everyone who came from the bench were really good and we are in the semi-final again. Really pleased.”
Cherki scored a stunning goal in the 32nd minute when he controlled the ball on his chest after a corner was cleared, took a clever touch then powered a shot into the top corner. It was the fourth goal of the season for the summer signing from Lyon.
“He’s exceptional, made a fantastic goal; a blind guy, blind woman can realise — it’s not necessary to be a journalist or manager,” said Guardiola. “It was a fantastic, fantastic goal. I saw many times with Phil (Foden) this type of goal, Kevin (De Bruyne) before. I’m happy he opened the game!”
Savinho scored the second in the 67th minute when a deflected effort looped over Brentford goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson.
City were drawn against last season’s Carabao Cup winners Newcastle United, who beat Fulham 2-1, for the two-legged semi-final, which takes place in January.
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