Their return would increase a Metropolis aspect lacking a number of gamers throughout a packed January schedule
Jeremy Doku may return from a calf downside. Picture: AFP
LONDON:
Rodri and Jeremy Doku may each be concerned when Manchester Metropolis journey to Sunderland on New 12 months’s Day, supervisor Pep Guardiola stated Wednesday.
A key playmaker on the Etihad when match, Rodri was an unused substitute in Saturday’s Premier League win over Nottingham Forest following his newest damage setback.
The Spaniard missed most of final season with a extreme knee downside and his makes an attempt at returning to motion have been hampered by a number of points, with the most recent a hamstring grievance.
Doku, a winger who loved a wonderful begin to the season, has been sidelined for the previous 4 video games with a calf damage.
Their returns could possibly be worthwhile to a Metropolis aspect who’re set to be with out a number of gamers throughout a congested January schedule.
Metropolis, together with a visit to Tottenham on February 1, face 10 video games within the area of 32 days over 4 competitions.
John Stones, Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic are additionally out injured whereas Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are on the Africa Cup of Nations.
“Rodri has come again,” Guardiola informed a pre-match press convention on Wednesday.
“Possibly he can play a couple of minutes. I am trying ahead to it. Doku perhaps, John and Oscar no.”
Guardiola added: “When it comes to squad we’re not in our greatest proper now for this tight schedule. It is proper these days we’ve performed with the identical guys however with the schedule we’ve.
“We’ll arrive again (from Sunderland) at 2:00 am (0200 GMT) or 3:00 am and two days later we’ve Chelsea after which after that we’ve Brighton — actually powerful opponents. We do not have many gamers to rotate.”
Metropolis, who will start 2026 5 factors behind Premier League leaders Arsenal however with a sport in hand, may strengthen their squad through the January switch window.
Guardiola, nonetheless, refused to be drawn on reviews linking the membership with Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.
“I haven’t got any information about something proper now,” stated the Metropolis boss, who additionally refused to be drawn on rumours Bobb may depart.
“The winter switch window is totally closed proper now. So, Sunderland…”
Sunderland are seventh within the desk having made a formidable return to the highest flight following final season’s promotion.
Metropolis defeated the Black Cats 3-0 on the Etihad on December 6 however Guardiola expects a tough encounter on the Stadium of Mild.
“They’re so powerful,” he stated. “The gang is unbelievable. They’ve crushed Newcastle. Arsenal and Aston Villa couldn’t win there.
“They’ve had actually good outcomes. It is going to be fully totally different there however on the similar time we’re prepared.”
