Man City midfielder to be assessed ahead of Manchester derby – and Guardiola provides update on defensive injuries | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says Nico Gonzalez will be assessed ahead of the game against rivals Manchester United.

The midfielder missed the Carabao Cup win over Newcastle United and faces a late fitness test to be able to return to the squad for the Manchester derby.

“We’ll see this afternoon in training,” Guardiola said when asked about Gonzalez’s availability.

Asked again whether there is a chance he could be involved, Guardiola repeated: “We’ll see this afternoon.”

But John Stones and Oscar Bobb will miss out again, Guardiola confirmed.

The City boss admits his side’s defensive injuries have been difficult to deal with, with Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol also sidelined.

But Guardiola hopes to have Dias back soon.

“Without John (Stones), without Ruben (Dias), without Josko (Gvardiol),” he said.

“We are in the difficult situation for not just one game but a long, long period. It’s a difficult situation.

“But Ruben will be back soon. Josko, no. John, hopefully, we will see.”