Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed that one of his players is fit to start against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Catalan tactician had stated that John Stones and Phil Foden could start against Roberto De Zerbi’s side on Thursday, however, Erling Haaland was ruled out of the clash.
Naturally, Guardiola must have been sweating over his players’ fitness in the build-up to his side’s upcoming contest.
After Liverpool lost 2-0 to Everton on Wednesday night, City have a chance to capitalise against Brighton with a win.
If Manchester City beat the Seagulls, they will have a two-point lead over Jurgen Klopp’s side, despite having played one game fewer than them after the Merseyside Derby’s result.
To well and truly eliminate Liverpool out of the title race, the first step is to get the all-important three points against Brighton, regardless of the players whose availability may be a doubt.
Guardiola says Man City player is fit to start against Brighton
Considering the title race was expected to go down to the last day, the chance to leave one of the two teams in the dust is a godsend for City.
In the past, the treble-winners have always seized such opportunities.
Whether it be against a top team, a mid-table side or one that is fighting for survival, the Sky Blues have shown a tendency to get the job done regardless in such situations.
The last time Manchester City faced Brighton at the Amex Arena, they suffered a 1-1 draw.
De Zerbi’s side have players who could hurt the visitors.
Thankfully for Guardiola, one of his trusted men is set to be available for the clash.
That man is Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, as Pep Guardiola gave a one-word response about whether he will be fit to start against Brighton.
“Yeah”, he replied [via BeanymanSports].
The reason why Pep Guardiola was asked about whether Bernardo Silva will be available against Brighton is because the Manchester City attacker revealed he felt pain in his hamstring and calf against Chelsea.
Relief for Pep Guardiola that Bernardo Silva is fit
It is fair to assume that Guardiola would have been relieved to see the £43 million man’s availability not being an issue.
Pep Guardiola would be hoping that just like Bernardo Silva stepped up for Manchester City with a huge goal against Chelsea, he does the same against Brighton.
Not necessarily in terms of scoring a goal or an assist but putting in a vintage, all-action display against De Zerbi and Co.
Bernardo Silva is a man for the big moments and while on paper, Manchester City facing Brighton may not seem like a huge game, it is in the context of the title race.