Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that several injured players could return to the matchday squad when his side face Leyton Orient in the FA Cup this weekend.
The likes of Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and Jeremy Doku have been pictured in training in the days prior to the game. Asked in his pre-match press conference whether the trio are ready to play, Guardiola simply replied:
“Maybe some of them, we will see.”
Those remarks were enough for the club’s official website to confirm that Dias, Ake and Doku are “in contention” for the Saturday lunchtime kickoff.
Their return is a massive boost for City
Dias, in particular, has been sorely missed since he sustained an adductor injury during the 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. The Cityzens have conceded 11 goals in four games during the Portuguese international’s absence.
Ake’s return is also a big positive. The Dutchman has not played since the 2-2 draw against Brentford. Doku, meanwhile, has been on the sidelines for a slightly shorter period, having not featured since the 6-0 win versus Ipswich.
The trio could feature in some big games this month Before the end of February, Pep Guardiola’s men have to play Real Madrid twice in the Champions League playoff round. In between those two fixtures, there is a Premier League match at the Etihad against Newcastle.
The Premier League champions will also face Liverpool at home, as well as taking on Tottenham and Nottingham Forest away. With so many important matches to play, Guardiola will be delighted to have an almost fully fit squad to choose from.
Ederson and Oscar Bobb could soon be available for selection too, which could leave Rodri as the only player sitting on the treatment table.
Guardiola Confirms Triple Injury Boost For City Ahead Of Key Fixtures