BACARY SAGNA EXPECTED BACK IN NOVEMBER

French defender Bacary Sagna is expected to make a return to the Premier League only in November due to the hamstring problem he picked up whilst on international duty.


The Manchester City player limped off in the first half of France’s 4-1 victory over Bulgaria in the World Cup qualifying round.

The Etihad will definitely miss their last season’s first choice experienced defender when they clash with La Liga champions Barcelona, and when they face City rivals, Manchester United in the EFL Cup. The France international will miss Premier League games against Everton, West Bromwich Albion and Southampton. The same hamstring issues have forced the 33-year old to miss four weeks games during the 5-0 defeat of Steaua Bucharest in the Champions League.

Pablo Zabaleta seems to be doing well as replacement. He was the obvious choice when City played Scottish side Celtic, and when they visited Spurs last week. The 31-year old was the first choice until his own injury gave Sagna the baton which seems to have reversed. City are still keen on Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin, even as 19-year old Spanish player Pablo Maffeo gradually comes of age.

Reports say that Bellerin’s camp are actually open to a move for the 21-year old defender despite the Gunners insisting that he was not on the market. Maffeo made his City debut when City clashed with Steaua in the Champions League play-off this summer.

Zabaleta is expected to remain in action for the Sky Blues pending the return of the French veteran right back in November. There were serious concerns with the injury but scans reveal that the injury was not as bad as earlier suspected. City would have to manage the growing pressure to remain top of the Premier League as the competition grows stiff.