Why Samir Nasri Injury Will Dent Manchester City Hopes of Success

Manchester City have been dealt yet another injury blow with the news that influential midfielder Samir Nasri will be out for up to a month with a calf injury.

The news was confirmed by manager Manuel Pellegrini at a press conference previewing City’s home match with Arsenal on Sunday.

“We have some problems during the week with Samir Nasri. He has a calf injury so he will not be fit for the next game. All the rest of the team are fit,” he said.

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It’s the latest in a long line of injury problems for the Chilean to deal with in a season which, so far, has been consistently disrupted by the absence of key players.

With Yaya Toure away on AFCON duty with the Ivory Coast along with new signing Wilfried Bony, and Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and Edin Dzeko only just returning from injury lay-offs, it’s hardly ideal preparation for such a key game in City’s season.

Nasri has been in sensational form in recent weeks, particularly since the home win over Everton where he stepped up his performance level after Aguero had gone off with a knee injury.

His display in Rome, though, during City’s 2-0 Champions League win, a result which saw them through to the last 16 of the competition for the second consecutive season, was his finest hour.

It was a performance full of technique, determination, hard work and, of course, a wonderful strike that gave City the lead. He’s led by example during the current 14-game unbeaten run that has seen City turn their season around.

His understanding with David Silva, City’s creative hub, is arguably the most impressive element of the side’s build-up play, and it will be badly missed over the coming weeks.

Nasri looks set to miss the Arsenal game, followed by City’s FA Cup Fourth Round match with Middlesborough at home, their all-important trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea at the end of the month and the visit of Hull in early February—a critical period of fixtures which could go a long way in determining their title chances.

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The Frenchman’s calf problem means James Milner, who is locked in contract negotiations with the club having entered the final six months of his current deal, is likely to return to the side after missing the draw with Everton last weekend as a precaution.

Milner brings many qualities, and his work rate and discipline will be particularly effective in the game against Chelsea on January 31, but the creative spark and ball retention offered by Nasri look set to be huge losses.

Arsenal are a side City have enjoyed playing against in recent seasons, particularly at home, where they have managed four wins in their last six. Arsene Wenger’s commitment to an open, attractive style of play usually allows for an entertaining game, with last season’s 6-3 City win one of the finest Premier League matches of all time.

And with Alexis Sanchez in such fine form, Pellegrini knows his side will have a battle on their hands to secure three points. “I think Alexis is a very good player,” said the City boss.

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“He is doing a very good season in England. It is not easy for a player in his first season here to score so many goals.

“Alexis is repeating what he did in the last two seasons at Barcelona and scoring a lot of goals. I am very happy for him because he is a young player and very enthusiastic player and improving.”

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2014-15 season. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter: @RobPollard.