Pep Guardiola has admitted he is unsure when Kyle Walker will be available again for Manchester City, as he continues to recover from injury.
The defender missed Saturday’s FA Cup elimination at hands of Liverpool, along Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bryune, both of whom are also dealing with injuries.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s game with Brighton & Hove Albion, Guardiola was asked whether the trio would be fit in time for the Premier League clash.
“Kyle, no,” he responded. “The other ones are better. We will make a decision tomorrow.”
Quizzed on whether there was a timescale on Walker’s injury, Guardiola said: “No, we don’t know yet. For tomorrow, he is not available. For the rest of the games, we will see.”
The City boss also gave an update on Ruben Dias, who has been named on the bench in the last two games as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
“Ruben trained really good yesterday but has been seven weeks off. When you recover, after you need the tempo back.
“He’s intelligent, Ruben is a guy who knows his body. We are more than delighted he’s back. Nathan [Ake] makes incredible contribution, Ayme [Laporte] and John [Stones] play a lot of games this season.”
It means Guardiola could be a little short of options when the Seagulls come to the Etihad, although we are predicting City to make five changes for the fixture.
Here’s how we think the champions will line-up…
1. Ederson
The most likely alteration, with the goalkeeper almost certain to come in from Zack Steffen after Saturday’s calamitous display against Liverpool.
2. Joao Cancelo
Walker’s continued absence means Cancelo is likely to play at right-back, although John Stones has also deputised there this season.
3. John Stones
One of City’s most in-form players, but among the few who has featured in all 360 minutes over the team’s last four games. Nathan Ake is an option if Guardiola opts to rest Stones, as could Dias.
4. Aymeric Laporte
Was rested for Saturday after the taxing trip to Madrid, but the centre-back is expected to return to the line-up after a rest.