Pep Guardiola has revealed there is no change in the fitness of Manchester City defenders Kyle Walker, John Stones and Ruben Dias, ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The City manager had claimed after last weekend’s 5-0 win over Newcastle United that the trio would miss the remainder of the season through injury, and he said that still looks to be the case as he prepares his side for a trip to Molineux.
“Nothing changed after the game against Newcastle,” said Guardiola. “We are who we are and are going into the last three games with the players we have and go for it. We have problems in other departments but the others are going to solve it.”
It means City could have just three senior defenders available for the game against Wolves, with Nathan Ake also a doubt due to an ankle issue.
As a result, Fernandinho may have to deputise at centre-back, as he did in the second half on Sunday, while youngsters CJ Egan-Riley or Luke Mbete are also options.
Further up the pitch there is less concern for Guardiola, who managed to rest Riyad Mahrez and Bernanrdo Silva against Newcastle, and only introduced Phil Foden for the last half an hour at the Etihad.
That trio could be reintroduced to the team when they take on Wolves, and allow City to rest other first-team stars ahead of a weekend trip to face West Ham United.
Here’s how we think Guardiola will line up against Wolves…
“Nothing changed after the game against Newcastle,” said Guardiola. “We are who we are and are going into the last three games with the players we have and go for it. We have problems in other departments but the others are going to solve it.”
5. Oleksandr Zinchenko
Continued his impressive form in the win over Eddie Howe’s side, and set up Foden’s goal in the latter stages.
6. Rodri
With Fernandinho likely to be drafted in at the back, Rodri is City’s only option at the base of midfield.
7. Bernardo Silva
The rest at the weekend means the No.20 will probably come back into the team, most likely at the expense of Ilkay Gundogan.
8. Kevin De Bruyne
Is perhaps the league’s most in-form player and Guardiola will be hoping he can again guide City towards victory.