All of City’s first team squad, apart from the injured Sergio Aguero, trained on Friday morning, which will no doubt have pleased the manager after he admitted fearing the worst when Kevin De Bruyne went down under a heavy challenge against Newcastle United.
Saturday’s game at the AMEX Stadium will be our seventh in 20 days and Guardiola says keeping his players fresh has been a challenge.
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“Today they trained really well, all of them,” he revealed at his pre-match press conference.
“Now, I have a meeting with the doctor to get an update.
“I see the team really well. We had some problems. After two or three games in a row, Mendy was not comfortable with muscular issues. That’s why we rotate the team.
“We have to arrive in the best condition possible for Arsenal and Real Madrid. At the same time, the best way to be ready is to play our games, with the rhythm.”
Guardiola reiterated that Aguero will not recover from his knee injury in time to face Real Madrid in the second leg of our Champions League last 16 tie.
City will face Lyon or Juventus should they win, but the boss is refusing to look beyond the Spanish giants.
“If we think about the next step, the king of the competition, Real Madrid, will put us out,” he added.
“In this club there is not one person who knows Real Madrid better than me.
“I know their potential, their history and the game we have to play. I have Brighton and to continue to prepare for Arsenal.
“After Arsenal we have two potential games before Madrid.”
There was also a note of praise for Riyad Mahrez, following his goal scoring performance in the 5-0 win over Newcastle.
It was his 10th Premier League goal of the season and his 24th since he arrived at the Club in the summer of 2018.
“He is a fantastic player with incredible self-confidence,” said Pep.
“He is a guy who always creates something special. He is an exceptional player.
“We are delighted to have him. He can help us when he does and doesn’t play. Hopefully I can improve him.”
