The German midfielder limped off after a heavy challenge from Claudio Yacob an hour into City’s 2-1 win over West Brom.
It was Gundogan’s first start since damaging his cruciate ligaments against Watford nine months ago, and immediate concerns were the luckless star’s jinx had struck again, but the City boss moved to quell initial fears.
“It was a tough situation for him but I think Ilkay will be OK,” said Pep. “He has a small issue with his knee, but not like before and I don’t think it will be anything serious.”
The Blues’ boss was pleased with his side’s character after a second-half aerial bombardment from set-piece specialists West Brom.
But a Leroy Sane brace proved enough for City to progress and earn a home tie with another Black Country side, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
“Finally, we have a home game,” smiled Pep. “Since I’ve been here we have never been drawn at home so I thank the guys who made the draw!
“I thought we played very well in the first half when we scored and probably should have gone into half-time two or three goals ahead with the chances we created, but in the second half, we were under pressure because if you concede corners and free-kicks against West Brom it is very difficult. They are fantastic in those situations and had they scored a second, we could have lost this game.
“It’s almost impossible not to concede a goal in those situations against this team so the second half was much more equal and our passing wasn’t as good.
“It was a tough, tough game – away to West Brom is so difficult and they played with all their first team squad but we are so happy to win and now play our next game at home.
“We will respect Wolves and we know from experience against Huddersfield last season but we saw what happened in the first game so we will be ready. We are just happy we will be playing at home at last.”
