Guardiola says Trafford will play against Southampton

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Manchester City F.C.

·24 de abril de 2026

Guardiola says Trafford will play against Southampton

Pep Guardiola has backed James Trafford to continue his fine form in the domestic cup competitions when City face Southampton at Wembley on Saturday.

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The Blues go into a record eighth consecutive FA Cup semi-final this weekend, seeking a record fourth successive appearance in the final itself.

And Trafford, who played every game en route to Carabao Cup glory earlier this campaign as well as in our run in the FA Cup to date, will again feature against this time around.

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Asked in Friday’s press conference whether Trafford or Gianluigi Donnarumma would play, Guardiola was unequivocal in his response.

“James,” he said.

“In the Carabao Cup he was a main, main figure and the FA Cup the same. I’m really pleased that he can play.

“I’ve said many times the big clubs have to have two big goalkeepers and we’re really good. James and Gigio are there.”

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The boss was also asked about John Stones, who hasn’t played since the fifth round victory at Newcastle United.

“He’s been injured many times and now he’s back but Khusa and Marc have been playing incredibly well.

“Nathan [Ake] played outstanding in final of Carabao Cup and since then five minutes, cannot be more unfair. Both central defenders have been exceptional.

“The important thing is for the next weeks, he’s already training with us full and well and this is the best news.

“10 years together. I don’t have any doubts with John.

“When he can get to his level, he’s a top central defender. Like last season, there was a lot of time it was not possible. He’s a lovely, incredible teammate and we’ll see what happens.”

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Meanwhile, Brazilian winger Savinho has been regularly used as a late substitute in recent weeks.

The 22-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance during his second season in Manchester and Guardiola says it’s simply the form of his teammates that has kept him out of the starting lineup.

“The reason he didn’t play more is because Antoine [Semenyo] and Jeremy [Doku] made an incredible impact,” the boss replied when asked about Savinho.

“You can’t find a more decisive winger than Jeremy now. The threat from that guy is unbelievable. Look at the goal at Burnley.

“We have to be careful with him playing every three days. That’s the reason why but he played in Madrid, Savinho.

“I remember against Newcastle in the FA Cup, he was Man of the Match. The best player and what a game and then he was injured.

“Extend the contract not long time ago so the club shows that it trusts him, he has incredible potential.”