No Sergio Aguero. No David Silva. No Samir Nasri. Edin Dzeko sold.
Now no Wilfried Bony.
The Ivorian striker was removed just 25 minutes into Sunday’s Premier League match at Villa Park with what appeared to be a hamstring issue, replaced by Jesus Navas.
That leaves 19-year-old Kelechi Iheanacho as the lone healthy striker on the squad, and Manuel Pellegrini has some serious tinkering to do if he wishes to find a solution. On Bony’s substitution, Kevin de Bruyne moved into a more central role, with Raheem Sterling also cutting inside should De Bruyne find himself on the edge.
City could also look to young Patrick Roberts, an 18-year-old bought from Fulham this summer, but even he is more of a supporting, creative player, not to mention he still has plenty of growing to do both physically and technically.
Thankfully the international break comes at an opportune time. Silva should be on his way back from an ankle injury soon, and is likely to return after the two-week league break. Aguero could also make his way back around then, but his torn hamstring could take slightly longer.