Pep Guardiola issues new Jeremy Doku injury update ahead of Sunderland vs Man City | OneFootball

Man City could be boosted by return of winger at Stadium of Light

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City could have Jeremy Doku back from injury against Sunderland on New Year’s Day.

The winger has been integral to City's success this season, with one goal and four assists in 11 Premier League starts, and his return would be a major boost.

It seems likely that Doku woud be eased back in from the bench, with Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden both in brilliant form.

Guardiola has also confirmed Rodri could be given his first minutes since the start of November after he returned to the bench at Nottingham Forest last weekend.

But Oscar Bobb and John Stones remain sidelined for the trip to Sunderland, as City bid to close back to within two points of Arsenal in the title race.

Providing an update on the injury latest ahead of the game at the Stadium of Light, Guardiola said: “Rodri has come back. Maybe he can play a few minutes. We need it desperately. Doku maybe. John and Oscar no."

Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are still at the Africa Cup of Nations.

City beat Sunderland 3-0 at the Etihad less than a month ago but Guardiola expects a difficult afternoon against a side who are unbeaten at home this season.

“We faced them a few weeks ago and they’ve had an incredible season,” said Guardiola.

“If you are promoted, you can continue with the same group of players or do what they have done. 14 new signings it’s not easy to assemble everything. They’ve done it well.

“They are tough. The crowd is always, I remember my first season going there, unbelievable.

“They’ve beaten Newcastle. Arsenal, Villa could not win there so they are tough but we at the same time we are ready.”