Serious Concern for Man City as Claudio Echeverri Suffers Injury Blow in Club World Cup Win Over Al Ain

Rising star spotted on crutches and in protective boot after first City goal, now ruled out of Juventus clash

Just days after celebrating his first goal in a Manchester City shirt, Claudio Echeverri has suffered a worrying setback that has cast a shadow over the club’s Club World Cup campaign. The 19-year-old Argentine was spotted leaving the team’s base on crutches and wearing a protective boot, following an ankle injury sustained during City’s 6-0 rout of Al Ain on Sunday.

It’s a frustrating blow for the teenager, who only recently began integrating into Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad after arriving in January from River Plate. While the scoreline against Al Ain reflected City’s dominance, Echeverri’s injury has become the biggest talking point ahead of Thursday’s crucial Group G decider against Juventus.

From joy to frustration: Echeverri bittersweet breakthrough

Echeverri

Echeverri’s performance against Al Ain was meant to be his coming-out party in City blue. The young midfielder opened his account with a superb free-kick, curled with confidence and flair, showcasing exactly why City had fought hard to secure his signature earlier this year.

His goal, just days after making his club debut in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, looked to mark the beginning of something special. But Echeverri was withdrawn at half-time, and what was initially seen as a tactical decision has since been revealed to be injury-related.

According to ESPN, the ankle issue is serious enough that he was unable to train on Monday or Tuesday, and will play no part in Thursday’s high-stakes clash against Juventus. There is concern internally that the recovery timeline could extend beyond just a few days.

Timing couldn’t be worse in City’s packed midfield

With City’s midfield options already overflowing, Echeverri can ill-afford a spell on the sidelines. This summer, the club added Rayan Cherki to an attacking midfield unit that already features Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, and Oscar Bobb. For a 19-year-old still settling into a new country and new tactical demands, missing competitive fixtures could mean slipping down the pecking order.

Echeverri’s journey to this point has already been carefully managed by City. After sealing his transfer from River Plate in January 2024, the club opted to loan him back to Buenos Aires for the remainder of the Argentine season, allowing him to continue playing regular first-team football in a familiar setting. His performances at River, including Copa Libertadores outings, only heightened expectations ahead of his official arrival in Manchester this past winter.

But City’s midfield is an unforgiving environment. Guardiola’s style demands technical perfection, positional intelligence, and tactical discipline—qualities Echeverri undoubtedly possesses, but ones he’ll now have to put on hold until he’s back to full fitness.

What Pep Guardiola said (or didn’t)

Manchester City FC v Al Ain FC: Group G – FIFA Club World Cup 2025

While Pep Guardiola has yet to publicly address the injury, City insiders have confirmed that Echeverri is undergoing a detailed medical assessment. The crutches and protective boot are precautionary, but a decision was quickly made to sideline him for the Juventus fixture. Depending on the results of scans and treatment, he may also miss the early knockout rounds if City progress.

For Guardiola, it’s another selection dilemma in an already intense fixture window. City’s draw with Flamengo on Matchday 2 means they must now beat Juventus to top Group G and avoid a potentially brutal last-16 pairing—most notably with Real Madrid, who lead their group and have been City’s bogey side in recent Champions League campaigns.

Guardiola has made it clear that he views the Club World Cup as more than just a ceremonial tournament. It’s a chance for City to extend their global dominance and further cement their treble-winning legacy. The absence of a young star like Echeverri won’t derail those ambitions, but it is a setback the manager will have preferred to avoid.

Bigger picture: City’s long-term faith in Echeverri

Despite the current setback, City’s belief in Echeverri hasn’t wavered. The youngster is viewed internally as a long-term project, with the technical staff deeply impressed by his maturity, flair, and work ethic. Comparisons to a young David Silva have already surfaced, and his composure on the ball has reportedly stood out in training.

Echeverri’s performance in the Al Ain game—despite being limited to 45 minutes—was another glimpse into his talent. His first touch, confidence under pressure, and set-piece quality all drew praise. It’s those same flashes that convinced City to sign him despite interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Still, injuries are part of the journey for any young player. For Echeverri, this represents an early test of his mental and physical resilience. How he bounces back will be closely monitored, both inside the Etihad walls and by fans eager to see the next star rise.

What next for Manchester City?

As City prepare for Juventus on Thursday night, the absence of Echeverri adds another twist to a growing list of selection decisions. With rotation likely, Guardiola may turn to Oscar Bobb, or possibly deploy Phil Foden in a more central role. Rayan Cherki, too, could see increased minutes as he looks to make his mark in the tournament.

A win would secure top spot in Group G and likely set up a more favourable draw in the knockout stage. A loss or draw, however, opens the door for Real Madrid or PSG in the next round—ties Guardiola and City would rather avoid until the latter stages.

For now, though, the focus is split between tactical preparation and managing injuries, with Echeverri’s name joining the treatment list. It’s not a crisis, but it is a reminder of just how quickly fortunes can change in elite football.

Final whistle: City’s Echeverri dilemma, and what it means moving forward

Claudio Echeverri’s injury is more than just a fitness concern—it’s a pivotal moment in the early days of his Manchester City journey. From scoring his first goal to being ruled out within 48 hours, the teen sensation has seen both the highs and lows in rapid succession.

How quickly he returns will shape his 2025 calendar. And in a City midfield packed with world-class names and emerging talents, time on the sidelines can be as costly as anything in this unforgiving environment.