Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered an important update regarding the fitness status of his squad ahead of their upcoming fixture against Nottingham Forest during the holiday season. The manager revealed that three players are currently undergoing assessments or recovery processes, which could influence team selection for the match.
Guardiola emphasized the importance of maintaining player health and fitness during a busy schedule that includes multiple fixtures around the festive period. He noted that while some players are fully fit and ready to contribute, others are still in the process of regaining match sharpness or recovering from minor injuries.
Specifically, Guardiola mentioned that Kevin De Bruyne is progressing well after his recent injury setback, but his participation remains uncertain until closer to matchday. Similarly, Erling Haaland is being carefully managed to ensure optimal fitness, with the coach expressing cautious optimism about his availability.
Additionally, the manager provided an update on Phil Foden, who has been recovering from an injury and is currently in the final stages of his rehabilitation. Guardiola indicated that Foden is expected to be back in full training soon, but his inclusion in the squad will depend on his response to training sessions.
Guardiola also highlighted the importance of squad rotation and tactical flexibility, especially during the congested fixture schedule. He stressed that the club is taking a cautious approach to player fitness to avoid setbacks and ensure peak performance during the critical period.
As the match against Nottingham Forest approaches, Guardiola remains optimistic about the team's overall fitness levels. He expressed confidence that the squad will be prepared and motivated to secure a positive result, emphasizing the importance of team effort and resilience during the festive season.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see which players are available for selection and how Guardiola manages his squad to navigate the busy schedule while maintaining high performance standards.