Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that the Citizens will be without their red hot midfielder IIkay Gundogan when they square off against Everton in the Premier League on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Spaniard revealed that the duo of Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne have returned to full training ahead of their trip to Goodison Park.
Gundogan, who was named the Premier League Player of the Month for January, suffered a slight muscle injury in Saturday’s victory over Tottenham. But Guardiola hopes the Germany international will not be out for long, while De Bruyne has recovered from the hamstring injury which ruled him out for the last month.
“Gundo is much better but I don’t think he will be available for tomorrow. The rest of the players are okay except Nathan Ake,” Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference.
Aguero had knee surgery in June and had Covid-19 earlier this year and, asked if he would start, Guardiola said: “Sergio has been injured for a year, so cannot start from the beginning but is ready to come back. He was on the bench for the last game and will be again. When he can return he will do.”
On De Bruyne, he added: “Getting better, really getting better. Today he did all the training with the group. He’s much better.”
Ruben Dias was also a substitute for the Spurs victory after having a fever but Guardiola confirmed that he is in contention to face the Toffees.
Manchester City will go into Wednesday’s fixture on the back of an incredible record 15 consecutive wins as they aim to extend their lead on the Premier League table.
A win against Carlo Ancelotti’s men would see them open 10-point gaps on Manchester United and Leicester City respectively.
