Pep Guardiola provides Manchester City squad fitness update ahead of FA Cup clash against Salford
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided an update on the fitness of his players ahead of their FA Cup clash against Salford City on Saturday, January 11. The Cityzens have been plagued by injuries this season, with several first-team regulars spending time on the treatment table.
Manchester City have earned a reprieve ahead of the FA Cup encounter against Salford City with back-to-back league wins for the first time since October. Their injury situation is also improving, as was revealed by Guardiola in his press conference ahead of the game.
He pointed out that Ruben Dias is better but will be unable to participate in the game against Salford.
“Not yet. He feels better but not ready. I don’t know when."
Speaking on Oscar Bobb, the manager revealed that his fracture has healed fully and the youngster has begun training with the squad. Guardiola said:
“[He is] training with the team partially. That’s good news for us. It was a fractured bone. Now that is healed, he’s fine but good news is he’s back.”
Portugal international Dias has not featured for Manchester City since playing 90 minutes in their 2-1 defeat to rivals Manchester United on December 15. He has missed games against Aston Villa, Everton, Leicester City, and West Ham United through an undisclosed physical issue.
Norway international Bobb is closing in on a return to action, having fractured his leg in training only days before the start of the season in August. The 21-year-old had featured in the Community Shield win over Manchester United, registering an assist in the game.
Manchester City closing in on first winter signing - Reports
Manchester City are closing in on the signing of RC Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov as their first signing this month, as per several reports. The Cityzens are keen on the Uzbek centre-back amid fitness troubles for Ruben Dias and John Stones this season.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that an agreement is in place between Khusanov and Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola having green-lit the operation. The 20-year-old centre-back will cost over £30 million, with the Cityzens and Lens in talks over how a deal will be structured.
Guardiola's side are reportedly looking to make more signings this month, with Brazilian teenager Vitor Reis and Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush being linked.
