A shadow fell over Manchester City’s recent draw with Tottenham as young Rayan Cherki was forced to leave the pitch, adding to a growing list of concerns for Pep Guardiola.
The team is already navigating injuries to key players, including Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku. Dias is nearing a return to training, offering a glimmer of hope, but Doku remains sidelined after suffering a painful limp during the Galatasaray victory.
Guardiola revealed the current status: “Ruben started to train yesterday and Jeremy not yet.” The manager’s words hinted at a cautious approach to Doku’s recovery, prioritizing his long-term fitness.
Further complicating matters, new signing Marc Guehi is ineligible for the upcoming match. His January transfer from Crystal Palace occurred after the first leg of the semi-final, leaving him unable to participate at this stage.
However, there’s positive news regarding another January arrival, Antoine Semenyo. Guardiola confirmed Semenyo’s availability, stating simply, “Yeah Antoine can play.”
The Carabao Cup represents a significant opportunity for Manchester City, a competition where they’ve consistently excelled in recent years. Guardiola is determined to continue this success, especially given the challenges the team faces in other competitions this season.
“We have the chance to make our fifth final in ten years in the Carabao Cup,” Guardiola stated, emphasizing the importance of the competition. He acknowledged the first leg result, but also the formidable challenge posed by Newcastle.
Guardiola recognizes Newcastle’s ambition and quality, noting their Champions League aspirations. He stressed the need for his players to recover fully after a demanding match against Tottenham and prepare for a fierce battle.
The ultimate goal, Guardiola concluded, is to deliver a performance for the fans and secure a return to Wembley in March, continuing their impressive run in the League Cup.
