Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered a mixed fitness update ahead of Wednesday’s pivotal Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle United, with his team’s place at Wembley hanging in the balance despite a commanding 2-0 aggregate lead.
Guardiola confirmed that influential defender Ruben Dias, sidelined for a month with a thigh issue, has returned to training and is nearing a return, though the match may come too soon for him.
More immediate concern surrounds playmaker Rayan Cherki, who sustained a knock during Sunday’s 2-2 Premier League draw at Tottenham Hotspur.
The French international’s availability hinges on a late fitness assessment, with Guardiola stating, “Rayan had a knock and we will see today how he feels”.
The news is less positive for winger Jeremy Doku and several others. Doku remains sidelined with a calf injury, while defenders Josko Gvardiol and John Stones, midfielder Mateo Kovacic, and winger Savinho all continue their recoveries. January signing Marc Guéhi is also unavailable for the tie as he is cup-tied.
The fitness concerns for Newcastle United appear far more severe, potentially tipping the scale further in City’s favour. Magpies manager Eddie Howe delivered a triple injury blow, ruling out key midfielders Bruno Guimarães and Lewis Miley for the Etihad clash.
Central defender Sven Botman, however, is expected to be available after missing recent matches. The absentees join a lengthy Newcastle injury list that already includes Joelinton, Fabian Schar, and Tino Livramento.
Despite the significant advantage, Guardiola warned against complacency, drawing on recent lessons after his young team surrendered a two-goal lead at Tottenham. “Maybe it’s a young team, the youngest in 10 years and maybe we have to live it,” he reflected, acknowledging his squad’s need for growth through such experiences.
He also emphasized the threat posed by Newcastle, saying, “I know perfectly Eddie Howe and the times we played against Newcastle and the pride they have. A Champions League team and we have to be prepared”.
The prospect of reaching another Wembley final remains a powerful motivator for a club with a rich history in the competition.
“We have the chance to make a fifth final in 10 years,” Guardiola said, underscoring the importance of the occasion for his evolving squad. The winners of this tie will face either Arsenal or Chelsea in the final next month.