Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the boss revealed that the majority of the squad were fit and available after the brief mid-winter break with some players having also been involved in international action.
However, Guardiola confirmed that one of those involved in World Cup qualifiers – Brazil’s Gabriel Jesus – had returned with a slight issue.
And he also revealed that Cole Palmer was still unavailable for selection.
“Yeah, (the majority are available for selection) except Gabriel who has come back with a little niggles after international break,” Guardiola said.
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“Cole Palmer is not ready. After the FA Cup win at Swindon he had a problem and is still not available.
“He hasn’t trained with us since then. We will see what happens in the next weeks.
“The rest that were able to play before the international break are able to play tomorrow.
“(Riyad Mahrez is) Perfect. He comes back (from the break after the Africa Cup of Nations) in a good mood, everyone’s sharp.
“The week off was good for everyone.”
Saturday’s clash pits the Premier League leaders against the Championship front-runners and is an Etihad sell-out.
And after last week’s brief break from action for the majority of players, Guardiola said the meeting with Marco Silva’s impressive side represented the perfect return.
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“It’s a good test tomorrow after a week off. It’s the best opponent we could face because they will demand a lot,” the City boss added.
“They will be demanding us a lot. They have a lot of alternatives. They have a lot of quality. It will be an interesting game.
“I am very pleased for Marco (Silva) and what he is doing. I am really impressed for a long time.
“I saw a few games and I am really impressed the way they are playing. I am not surprised they are top of the table in the Championship.
“But it is not just the goals - it’s the way they are playing. Positionally they are exceptional. Every player moves in accordance to their teammates.”
The City manager also spoke of his delight at this week’s news that Argentine striker Julian Alvarez has signed to join the Club and will link up with us this summer after spending the rest of the season on loan at River Plate in Argentina.
“Well congratulations for Manchester City. City works to be in the present but of course for the future,” the boss continued.
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“It’s a player that could be with us now but we have enough players in that position. The best for him is to stay at River Plate.
“He developed incredibly well in the last years with Marcelo Gallardo and his teammates. The next preseason he will be with us and we will see what will happen.
“I am really pleased to have this talented player for the next few years.”
