Uninjured and unasked: Will Gündogan still move?

Ilkay Gündogan was missing from Man City's squad against Tottenham. IMAGO/ABACAPRESS

In the opening 4-0 win over Wolves , Ilkay Gündogan spent the full 90 minutes on the bench, but that fate was not to be repeated in the recent 2-0 defeat to Tottenham. However, this wasn't because the German was allowed to play his first league minutes, but because Pep Guardiola completely omitted the veteran.

According to information from kicker, the reason for his absence from the matchday squad was not due to an injury. Rather, the competition for positions between Nico and new signing Tijjani Reijnders in central midfield seems to simply be getting the upper hand.

Before the transfer window closes on September 1, the former German national team captain may have to reconsider whether he truly sees his future in the sky-blue part of Manchester. A late move cannot be ruled out, one year before the end of his contract.

The 2022 champions returned to the Cityzens from FC Barcelona only last summer, having previously played for them between 2016 and 2023. The Gelsenkirchen native has currently made 358 competitive appearances for City (65 goals, 47 assists).

Whether there will be further appearances is likely to be decided soon. The next opportunity, however, will be next Sunday, when Man City will look to deliver a fitting response to their defeat against Spurs (3 p.m., LIVE! on kicker).