Manchester City are preparing for one of the most important nights of their season as they welcome Newcastle United for the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
The tie arrives at a delicate moment for Pep Guardiola’s side, who are attempting to rediscover consistency after a series of mixed domestic results.
Alongside the tactical questions surrounding the game, the City manager has been forced to address growing concerns about the fitness of several key members of his squad.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday afternoon, Guardiola offered fresh information on the condition of Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku, both of whom have become influential figures in City’s attacking plans.
The Spaniard explained that Cherki, who featured from the start in the dramatic 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, felt discomfort during the match and had to be replaced in the second half.
Medical staff are now monitoring the situation closely to decide whether the French midfielder can play any part against Newcastle.
The City boss admitted that the coming hours before the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final would be crucial in determining Cherki’s availability.
“Have a knock, we will see today how he feels,” Guardiola said when asked about Cherki’s fitness.
His brief response reflected the uncertainty that currently surrounds the player, who has only recently begun to establish himself within the first team following his move to the Etihad Stadium.
Cherki’s creativity and ability to operate between the lines have provided City with a different option in recent weeks.
Supporters have been encouraged by his confidence on the ball and his willingness to take responsibility in tight situations.
Losing him at such a pivotal stage of the season would therefore represent a significant setback, particularly with the fixture schedule growing more demanding.
Guardiola also addressed the wider injury picture within his squad. City have struggled at various points of the campaign to field their strongest line-up, and the manager has repeatedly called for patience while players recover full fitness.
The situation has been complicated by the intensity of English football, where games arrive every few days and opportunities for rest are limited.
Attention quickly turned to Jeremy Doku, whose explosive pace has been missed since he was forced onto the sidelines.
Guardiola confirmed that the upcoming Newcastle fixture would come too soon for him, despite earlier hopes of a swift recovery.
“Ruben started to train yesterday and Jeremy not yet,” said the Manchester City boss.
The update suggested that while progress is being made in some areas, Doku’s return remains on hold. His absence deprives City of one of their most direct attacking outlets, a player capable of stretching defences and creating space for team-mates.
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Meanwhile, there was more encouraging news ahead of the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. Ruben Dias has resumed light training after a spell out of action.
The Portuguese defender is considered one of Guardiola’s most trusted leaders, and his presence could prove vital as City attempt to keep Newcastle’s dangerous forward line under control.
Whether Dias will be ready to start, however, is another question that the coaching staff must weigh carefully.
Injury management has become an increasingly important part of modern coaching, and the Spaniard believes success depends on striking the right balance between ambition and caution.
Rushing players back too quickly, he has warned, can create problems that last far longer than a single match.
