Fernandinho Injury: Updates on Manchester City Star's Status and Return

Updates from Tuesday, Feb. 18

Manchester City has confirmed that Fernandinho is in the squad for today's match vs. Barcelona:

Updates from Monday, Feb. 17

Oliver Kay of The Times provides a statement from Manuel Pellegrini discussing Fernandinho's injury status:

Updates from Friday, Feb. 14

Fernandinho remains a doubt for Manchester City's Champions League tie with Barcelona.

The Mirror's David McDonnell provides the update from Manuel Pellegrini:

Updates from Tuesday, Feb. 11

Manchester City and Stuart Brennan of Manchester Evening News provided a synopsis of Manuel Pellegrini discussing Fernandinho's injury status:

Fernandinho was also announced for Brazil's upcoming friendly on March 5, according to CBF.com, which is a great sign that he is inching closer to being fully fit to compete.

Updates From Thursday, Feb. 6

Sky Sports has the latest on Fernandinho's status:

Original Text

Manchester City will have to compete without one of their most consistent players this season as Fernandinho has suffered an apparent muscle strain.   

Henry Winter of the Daily Telegraph provided the news of the injury:

This ailment kept him out of the club's vital English Premier League match against Chelsea on Monday, Feb. 3. 

Stuart Brennan of the Manchester Evening News reported the roster changes for the upcoming match:

Manager Manuel Pellegrini provided the details of the issue, yet seemed confident about the replacement:

On the other hand, Oliver Kay of The Times was one of many who think this issue is cause for concern:

Following City's 1-0 defeat, Pellegrini said Fernandinho would miss a month (via Jamie Jackson of The Guardian):

Fernandinho has started 20 of the club's 23 league matches this season as well as all six contests in Champions League. He has totaled three goals and three assists in league play, but his contributions have gone beyond the scoresheet.

According to Who Scored.com, the midfielder has been the third-most productive player in Manchester City with an average rating of 7.61. He is also a member of the site's "Premier League Best XI" for the entire season.

Michael Steele/Getty Images

Without him, the club could struggle to move the ball up to the forwards, limiting opportunities to score. With Sergio Aguero also ruled out for a month, offense could be a concern for Manchester City.

Fortunately, the squad has enough depth to limit the problems as Martin Demichelis will step in at midfield. The 33-year-old veteran has made 12 starts this year and is solid defensively.

City will hope that this is enough to maintain their perfect home record in league play. 

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