Pep Guardiola says there has been no improvement regarding our injured defenders.
Rico Lewis’ suspension adds to the absences of John Stones, Nathan Aké and Manuel Akanji, forcing the City manager to consider his options for Sunday’s Manchester derby.
If Aké and Stones are not close to returning, there was hope that Akanji would recover in time for the weekend, but Guardiola believes that is unlikely.
“He doesn’t feel well, but he made an incredible effort. Against Bournemouth, he and Nathan weren’t even half fit, but they helped us by playing there. »
Manu played 45 minutes then said: “I have to recover, otherwise I won’t be able to be competitive. » He is a strong and reliable player, but currently he cannot play. »
Asked if any of his players were currently playing with injuries, the coach replied: “No. I would say that Kevin is coming back little by little, the last match was better than the previous one. »
“Erling has played every minute, which is incredible, and I don’t know where we would be without him. »
“It’s a difficult situation, but we have to accept it. I have to analyze a little more than the results, the players are there, I want to stay close to them, not behind or in front, next to them. »
“That’s what I want to do. »
No further information has been given on the availability of Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden, but as they were both substitutes in the Champions League match against Juventus in midweek, it is likely they could playing against Manchester United at one point or another.
Senegal
