Oleksandr Zinchenko has been photographed in training suggesting a return to action for the Ukrainian left-back is not too far away.
City’s defensive troubles have been well documented and according to WhoScored.com’s player ratings, Benjamin Mendy was the teams worst outfield performer during the 2-2 draw versus Newcastle United which has added to the supporters desire to see the 22-year-old return.
Zinchenko has missed eight games having suffered a knee injury but these fans are thrilled by the news he’s close to a return.
Who should start at left-back for City?
Zinchenko
Mendy
Glad this kid plays with more passion and energy than rubbish @benmendy23
— #mancity (@mountaingodd) December 1, 2019
Our best left back
— Ridz (@Ridz18_) December 1, 2019
Best news today
— Saib?gu (@blaqnuel) December 1, 2019
Thank God. Mendy is 3rd choice Left back with his current form this season.
— CTID (@commando42) December 1, 2019
Thank goodness
— Pontius Pilate ? (@ElveroLesuh) December 1, 2019
This guy is a baller ??
— @Fhumulani Mck Carlo? (@MckCarlo) December 1, 2019
What do we think?
Man City signed Benjamin Mendy in 2017 from Monaco for a fee in excess of £50m but it’s safe to say the move hasn’t worked out as planned. Mendy has been absent through injury on eight separate occasions, missing over 80 games for City and a result his form has suffered dramatically.
Guardiola expects a great deal from his full-backs and they’re pivotal to his preferred style of play, therefore, a combination of injury troubles and poor form from those he has recruited has been one of the major issues he has been forced to contend with. Those issues have been highlighted further by the problems at central defence and the team’s inconsistent form as a whole.
The sooner Zinchenko returns the better and despite the huge amount of money spent on Mendy’s acquisition the sooner he is replaced the better.