Pep Guardiola provides key injury update on three Manchester City players prior to Chelsea clash
Pep Guardiola has provided an update on the fitness of three Manchester City players.
The Sky Blues face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday evening at the Etihad Stadium.
City are bidding to win the competition for a fifth time in six years, after seeing their winning streak in the competition come to an abrupt end against West Ham in round four last year.
Chelsea suffered defeat in the final last season, losing to Liverpool on penalties after a goalless draw.
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Manchester City are unbeaten against the West London side since the Champions League Final loss in Portugal in 2021.
Pep Guardiola's side beat Chelsea 1-0 on both occasions last season, with Kevin De Bruyne starring against his former club at the Etihad Stadium.
Wednesday's game is both sides penultimate outings before the FIFA World Cup, with Chelsea winless domestically in their past four matches.
Graham Potter's side have suffered consecutive defeats to Brighton and Arsenal, following successive draws in the Premier League to Brentford and Manchester United.
Meanwhile, City remain two points behind league leaders Arsenal, after Erling Haaland's stoppage time penalty secured a vital 2-1 win against Fulham.
Saturday’s fixture marked the 22 year-old strikers return from injury, and Pep Guardiola has confirmed that he could be involved again in midweek, when City face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup third round.
"He's not perfect still. We'll see tomorrow. Important is the bone is not broken. Just ligament damage a little bit.
"Not perfect right now. A week, ten days, see what happens. If he feels good, he plays national team. So important for players."
Kalvin Phillips could also mark his return from injury on Wednesday night, with Guardiola confirming that the former Leeds midfielder will be in the matchday squad.
"Phillips will be with the squad," said the Catalan.
The 26 year-olds start to life at the Etihad Stadium has been plagued by injury, with Phillips undergoing surgery on a recurring shoulder problem in September.
Phillips is still hopeful of making Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad, alongside right-back Kyle Walker, who remains sidelined after also having an operation on an injury.
Asked whether the pair could represent England in Qatar, Guardiola replied: "Ask Gareth. They are communicating with the physios for England. Part of that I cannot answer. Phillips will be with the squad."
After Wednesday's game against Chelsea, City host Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.
Topics: Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Chelsea, Carabao Cup, Erling Haaland, Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips
Harry Winters