Manchester City’s hopes of adding another title to their already impressive trophy cabinet has hit a snag as the club’s manager, Pep Guardiola, expressed his concerns over three of his key players ahead of the FA Cup final against bitter rivals, Manchester United.
Guardiola disclosed that Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, and Ruben Dias have fitness concerns and are doubtful for the FA Cup final clash. The trio missed Man City’s final Premier League game against Brentford due to various fitness issues, heightening concerns over their availability for next week’s game at the Wembley Stadium.
“Ruben didn’t train for 10 days and Jack Grealish neither. After the Brighton game, Kevin felt the same feelings he had before weeks ago, they could not play a few games. It’s not a big, big issue. I think they will be ready [for the FA Cup final] but it’s not to be ready [after], it’s to be ready in the training sessions,” Guardiola said in a news conference after the Brentford game.
De Bruyne, who is a crucial member of Guardiola’s team, has struggled with injury problems throughout the season. Dia, on the other hand, has been one of the standout performers in City’s defence since joining from Benfica last summer. Grealish, who became City’s most expensive signing last summer, has also been influential in his first season at the club.
The FA Cup final is scheduled to take place on Saturday, the 15th of May, and City will hope to have their star players back in action for the game against their bitter rivals, Manchester United. The Citizens have already been crowned Premier League champions, but a victory in the FA Cup final against their local rivals would help to cushion the blow of their disappointing exit from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.
