Manchester City winger Savinho is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, dealing a fresh blow to Pep Guardiola’s squad and putting a January transfer move to Tottenham Hotspur in jeopardy.
The 21-year-old Brazilian sustained the injury during Man City’s 0-0 draw with Sunderland on New Year’s Day. The English Premier League club confirmed he won’t be back until at least March.
Savinho’s absence is a particularly bitter setback for Spurs. They had identified him as a potential signing this month after selling Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace and seeking reinforcements out wide.
The north London club had been preparing an approach to bring in the Brazilian as a key replacement, but now those plans appear to be on ice while he recovers.
City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed the latest update in his press conference, saying that Savinho would be out for “Long. I don’t know. A month and a half, two months.”
The winger’s absence comes amid a mounting injury crisis for Manchester City, coupled with AFCON-related absences, further stretching Guardiola’s options.
Savinho has missed City’s recent matches against Chelsea and Brighton, and there are growing concerns that his prolonged unavailability will impact the team’s attacking fluidity – especially as they trail Premier League leaders Arsenal and fight on multiple fronts.
Spurs searching for alternatives
With Savinho sidelined, Tottenham now face a sudden scramble in the transfer market.
Their need for wide reinforcements was already pressing after Brennan Johnson’s departure, and the Brazilian’s injury makes things more difficult.
With a recent 3-2 loss to Bournemouth, Tottenham higher-ups will scratch their heads as they turn to other alternatives.
Sitting 14th on the Premier League table, there is no denying that smart moves must be made in January.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are continuing with their January business, having already signed Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in a £64million deal.
But the loss of Savinho adds to an already congested treatment room and raises questions over how Guardiola will navigate the weeks ahead as they chase the Gunners down for the 2025/26 Premier League title.
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