Man City have a selection problem at right-back with Jerome Boateng their latest defensive casualty following the recent injury to Micah Ricards. Boateng has been ruled out of Germany’s friendly with Australia with a knee injury with reports today stating that has reported back to the club, with the German Football Federation indicating that he will need surgery.
This latest setback will hand Roberto Mancini a lack of options at right-back ahead of the weekend clash with Sunderland given that Richards is also out, while Pablo Zabaleta is on indefinite compassionate leave in Argentina.
For Fantasy Managers this news could mean two things – firstly, City’s defensive resolve, which has come under question in recent weeks, is again set to be tested by a lively Sunderland attack. Secondly, this surely assures Aleksandar Kolarov a start at left-back given that Mancini now has such few resources available in defensive areas.
Kolarov has been highly suspect in a defensive capacity all season – however, he has begun to deliver goals, albeit outside of the Premier League. His frequent forays forward and goal attempts from distance, courtesy of his powerful left peg, have been a regular feature of City’s play. He is yet to turn those into big Fantasy hauls, but his owners will feel that a couple of double figure returns could still be on the cards before the season draws to a close. Kolarov’s role has been far from secure given his defensive frailties, but the Serb would now seem likely to start, at least until Zabaleta returns to the club.
Dedryck Boyata could now get the nod at right-back when the Black Cats arrive at Eastlands – the young Belgian defender is available for just 4.0 in the Fantasy Premier League game and has made just two league starts this term – in the 1-0 gameweek win over Chelsea and in gameweek 9 when he saw red after just 4 minutes.
