PREMIER LEAGUE
Manchester City team news: Pep Guardiola outlines selection decisions for Brentford game
With games against Inter Milan and Arsenal coming up, the City boss gave an update on the availability of Phil Foden, Rodri and Erling Haaland.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has given an update on his team ahead of Saturday’s Premier League game against Brentford.
With three wins from three games City sit top of the league but have a tricky fixture schedule coming up with five matches in just 15 days. City have also suffered from fitness issues in recent weeks with a number of key players missing the international break.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday Guardiola confirmed that both Rodri and Phil Foden are back in training after recovering from fitness issues. However the prospects are less good for Nathan Ake, who sustained an injury while on international duty with the Netherlands.
Guardiola revealed: “Nathan Ake is out until next international break. He always seems to come back from international duty injured.”
Another potential absentee for Man City is Erling Haaland, who has made a blistering start to the new campaign. The Norwegian star suffered a bereavement in recent days, learning of the death of close family friend Ivar Eggja.
“It was a tough moment for him and his family,” Guardiola said on Friday. “It was sad news. He was close to him and his family. 59 years old... We will see tomorrow if he is mentally and physically able to play.”
Will Pep Guardiola rest players against Brentford?
Manchester City are not the only team to begin the new season with a 100% record in the Premier League. Rivals Liverpool have also made an impressive start to 2024/25 and are currently level on points with City. Guardiola will be eager to keep the winning run going this weekend but may choose to make changes to prevent further injuries.
City are expected to compete on all fronts again this year and, with the expanded Champions League format, have more games than ever. The Sky Blues will play two games in three days later this month, with an EFL Cup game against Watford coming just 48 hours after a crucial clash with Arsenal.
On Friday Guardiola was asked if thought players could place in both games and the City boss revealed that he would try to rotate his team accordingly.
“Hopefully not but I don’t know if we have 20 players available who can do it. I will try to avoid it, hopefully the guys who didn’t play against Arsenal are going to play against Watford,” Guardiola said. “It is going to happen many times when teams play in all competitions. We’re not going to change; the meetings are useless.”