‘I was surprised as well’ – Josko Gvardiol lifts lid on Man City injury return vs Crystal Palace

Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol made his first appearance since breaking his leg against Chelsea in January

Josko Gvardiol admitted he only discovered he was starting for Manchester City a couple of hours before kick-off against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night. The Croatia international had been missing since breaking his tibia in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in January.

The injury threatened to rule Gvardiol out for the remainder of the campaign. However, the 24-year-old recovered well and was handed a surprise start at left-back as Nico O’Reilly was rested.

Gvardiol lasted 58 minutes and performed well as the Blues cruised to a 3-0 victory over Palace. While the win was most important, Gvardiol was delighted to be back on the pitch.

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“To be fair I was surprised as well,” he told City’s official website post-match. “I didn’t expect my name in the starting XI. I found out two or three hours before kick-off. You have to be ready.

“I’m happy to be back and happy to be in the starting XI. We all know we have three games left. Happy to be back and get some minutes. I would say it’s normal. I’m getting older and more experienced than a couple of years ago.

“I took it as a man and tried to play as simple as I can. It was close. It would be too unreal to score a goal in my first game back from injury. Maybe in the next one. It hasn’t been easy.

“After I got injured I just accepted it as a new challenge. I’m just glad to be back. I’m feeling good actually. I wouldn’t say I’m at my 100 per cent. It’s normal, I need minutes and games.”

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Last Friday, Pep Guardiola was asked about Gvardiol and his contract situation. The defender’s current deal expires in 2028 but Guardiola would welcome a new deal for the 24-year-old.

“Last season, he was an important player for us, played all the games and then your body says enough is enough,” he said. “Happy he is back. Hopefully he can help us in the last part of the season and make a good World Cup with Croatia.

“Next season we can have him at his best. Central defender, full-back. He can play different roles so fast, so quick, really good to have him back.

“I have no info (on a new contract). I would love Gvardiol to stay here. It is not easy to find a player like him so hopefully he can stay.”