Jesus may return, Pogba out for Manchester derby

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has stated that Brazilian young forward Gabriel Jesus is ready to play again since breaking a metatarsal in February.

The coach however noted that the physical condition of the 20-year old is yet at its peak, suggesting he may or may not be involved in their crucial game against Manchester United on Thursday.

Guardiola, who said this in his press conference on Wednesday ahead of their Premier League meeting with Manchester United, also said he was sure Sergio Aguero would be in action after he went off against Arsenal with a knock.

“David Silva is a real doubt,” the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss said.

“Gabriel is ready, but his physical condition is not optimal. Sergio is much better – he will be ready.”

Guardiola stressed that Aguero and Jesus can play alongside each other in City’s attack.

“Aguero and Jesus can play together, it depends on the way we want to play. If you play without wingers, more narrow, they can play.”

Pep joined City this season, and it will be his first season without winning a trophy as a manager. He did mention it during his conference.

“I have been managing nine years and this is my first without a trophy. It has to happen and it happened.”

Read Also: Chelsea closer to title with win over Southampton

Meanwhile, City’s city rival, Manchester United, will be playing with a rather depleted squad as star midfielder Paul Pogba has joined the list of injured players for the Jose Mourinho’s men.

The United boss said during his press conference that Pogba, who was substituted early in United’s 2-0 away win against Burnley, is categorically ruled out of the game.

The former Juventus midfielder joins the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Juan Mata, Marcos Rojo and Chris Smalling who will not be available for the big clash.

“Paul, no. Herrera, yes,” Mourinho said in the pre-match conference.

“We go with what we have and we fight with what we have.

“I trust the boys, and we go with everything we have until the last second of the season, we hope. We are fighters, the boys are fighters, and we go.”

Manchester City will host the Red Devils at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, in a battle that will largely determine the top four finish for both teams.

 

 

RipplesNigeria ….without borders, without fears

Click here to download the Ripples Nigeria App for latest updates

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now