The news of Kevin De Bruyne's long-term injury put everything into perspective last week. Manchester City had lost captain Ilkay Gundogan and brought in Mateo Kovacic, while winger Riyad Mahrez had made an unplanned exit.
Josko Gvardiol was the marquee signing of the summer, with his arrival prompting Aymeric Laporte to seek an exit that had been on the cards.
With De Bruyne's injury, though, City were a man short from their treble-winning campaign, and with significantly less experience.
Cole Palmer's Super Cup showing was promising, but highlighted the lack of options on the right with Bernardo Silva out, too.
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