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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed he will monitor the fitness of midfielder Rayan Cherki ahead of the team’s crucial Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle United on Wednesday. The Manchester City manager addressed injury concerns during a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, revealing updates on several key players as his side looks to secure their place in the final at Wembley Stadium.
Manchester City holds a commanding 2-0 advantage from the first leg played at St. James’ Park last month. The return fixture at the Etihad Stadium will determine whether the Sky Blues reach their fifth League Cup final in ten years under Guardiola’s leadership.
Manchester City Manager Assesses Player Availability
According to the club’s official website, Guardiola provided mixed news regarding his squad’s fitness. Portuguese defender Ruben Dias returned to training on Monday after a month-long absence due to injury. However, Belgian international winger Jeremy Doku remains unavailable for selection and will continue his recovery.
Cherki sustained a minor injury during the second half of Manchester City’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in the Premier League. The French playmaker’s participation against Newcastle depends on how he responds during Tuesday’s training session. “Rayan had a small injury, and we will see today how he feels,” Guardiola said, according to reports. “Ruben started training yesterday, but Jeremy is not ready yet.”
Extensive Injury List Challenges Squad Depth
Additionally, Manchester City will be without several other players for the semi-final clash. Josko Gvardiol, John Stones, Savinho, and Mateo Kovacic remain sidelined as they continue recovering from their respective injuries. Meanwhile, Marc Guehi is ineligible to feature in the match due to competition regulations.
Despite the personnel challenges, Guardiola expressed confidence in his team’s position. “We have a chance to reach a fifth final in ten years,” the Spanish manager stated. “It’s very good to start with a 2-0 lead.”
Historic Success in League Cup Competition
Manchester City boasts an impressive record in the Carabao Cup, having won the trophy eight times throughout the club’s history. Most notably, the team claimed four consecutive titles between 2018 and 2021 under Guardiola’s management, establishing themselves as the competition’s dominant force in recent years.
However, Guardiola cautioned against complacency despite the comfortable first-leg advantage. “I know Newcastle and I know how proud they are as a Champions League team,” he noted, according to the club’s official communications. The Newcastle United squad competed in Europe’s premier club competition this season, demonstrating their quality and ambition.
Preparation and Stakes for Final Berth
In contrast to his optimism, Guardiola acknowledged the physical demands his players face following the challenging draw against Tottenham. “We need to be prepared,” the Manchester City boss emphasized. “We will see how the players recovered from the difficult match against Tottenham, and we will do our best. Reaching the final would be extremely important for the club and for everyone.”
The winner of this semi-final tie will face either Arsenal or Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium. Those two London clubs contest the other semi-final second leg, with the winner earning their place in the showpiece event.
Manchester City’s approach to Wednesday’s match will become clearer following Tuesday’s training session, where Guardiola will make final decisions on player availability. The team is expected to announce its official squad shortly before kickoff at the Etihad Stadium.
