- Gvardiol returns from injury
- Plays hour against Crystal Palace
- Defender reacts to unlikely start
Josko Gvardiol has revealed how he feels after jumping straight back into the starting lineup following his return from injury.
Manchester City earned a comfortable 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace and Josko Gvardiol played his part.
The Croat defender was due to return midway through May, but it was surprising to see him starting a game immediately after the end of his spell on the sidelines.
Gvardiol helped the Citizens keep a clean sheet and was handed 58 minutes of action before getting a well deserved rest.
Josko Gvardiol reveals how starting caught him off guard
Man City have kept themselves in the Premier League title race, and Gvardiol is very pleased to return on such an occasion.
However, the 24-year-old has admitted that more time is needed before he is able to be back at his best.
"We were all excited to play, and ready!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 13, 2026
Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol react to Man City's win over Crystal Palace 👏 pic.twitter.com/EctsJi0fuQ
“I was surprised, I didn’t expect my name in the starting XI,” he said. “[I found out] like two, three hours before kick-off!
“At the end of the day, you need to be ready. I’m happy to be back, happy to be in the starting XI, and we know we’ve only got three games left, so happy to be back and get minutes.”
He added: “I’m glad to be back, feeling good actually. I wouldn’t say I’m at 100 per cent or at my best, but it’s normal – I need games, minutes, together.”
Gvardiol offers praise to Phil Foden
While Phil Foden has not been injured, he too has spent plenty of time off the bench. However, this has been due to Pep Guardiola’s decision-making.
Nevertheless, Foden started tonight and was excellent, prompting some kind words from his teammate.
“We know his quality, how good he is in small spaces,” Gvardiol said of Foden. “He’s really good, and I enjoy to play with him.
“We know he’s capable of doing these things, and that’s exactly what we needed. Great assist, and well done, brother.”
The FA Cup final is too soon for Gvardiol
It is great to see Gvardiol playing again for Man City, and he is clearly fit enough to be selected in the starting lineup.
Despite this, Guardiola knows who his best players are right now, and Gvardiol has not had enough time to move back into this category.
Nico O’Reilly is the most likely player to start at left-back, while Abdukodir Khusanov will partner with Marc Guehi in the central defensive areas.
Still, the Premier League title race could have one or two twists and turns remaining, and perhaps Gvardiol will have a role to play.
