The popular Argentina international who has been outstanding this season, has revealed he is on course to face the Potters in the fourth round tie at the Britannia Stadium, despite limping off against Fulham last Saturday.
With Micah Richards still several weeks away from fitness, it was feared the Blues’ only other recognised right-back was also facing a spell on the side-lines, but thankfully, that won’t be the case.
“I took a kick on the top of my foot which caused me a lot of pain afterwards and that’s the reason it was better that I came off,” said the Blues’ Etihad Player of the Month.
It looks better today, but there is a little discomfort when I walk or run so it is a bit sore and needs to settle down a little
...Pablo Zabaleta...
“Thankfully, the scan showed there was no serious damage. I should be fine for Saturday but it will be a couple of days before it is 100% again.
“I did some bike work on Monday morning and on Tuesday I will try some running so I’m sure I will be available for the game against Stoke.”
Zaba also wanted to thank the City fans for the standing ovation he received as he came off the pitch against Fulham.
A hugely popular figure among the Blues’ supporters, the City defender left the pitch with his name echoing around the stadium and he was keen to point out the affection is mutual.
“It was a brilliant ovation as I came off from a fantastic set of fans,” he said. “I’d like to thank them for that and say that it means so much that people recognise and appreciate that you’re giving 100% for the Club and that’s what I will always do for City.”
