Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered crucial injury updates on three key players ahead of his side's pivotal Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle United on Wednesday evening. The Catalan coach provided specific details on the fitness of French attacker Rayan Cherki, Portuguese defender Ruben Dias, and Belgian winger Jeremy Doku during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon.
Cherki's Knock Casts Doubt Over Newcastle Appearance
Rayan Cherki, who has been in impressive form recently, represents Guardiola's most immediate concern after the 22-year-old was forced off during Sunday's dramatic 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in north London. Despite opening the scoring in that Premier League encounter, Cherki sustained a knock that leaves his participation in Wednesday's cup tie uncertain.
Guardiola offered a cautiously optimistic assessment, stating: 'He has a knock, we will see today how he feels.' The French international's potential absence would be a significant blow given his crucial contribution in the first leg, where he scored alongside Antoine Semenyo to secure Manchester City's commanding 2-0 advantage at St James' Park.
Dias Nears Return While Doku Remains Sidelined
In more positive news for City supporters, central defender Ruben Dias has resumed training and appears to be closing in on a return to competitive action. The Portuguese international's potential availability would provide a substantial defensive boost as Guardiola's team seeks to protect their aggregate lead and secure a place at Wembley.
However, the situation appears less promising for Jeremy Doku, with Guardiola confirming that the explosive Belgian winger has not yet returned to training following his withdrawal during last week's victory over Galatasaray. 'Ruben started to train yesterday and Jeremy not yet,' revealed the City manager, indicating that Doku's recovery timeline remains uncertain.
Eligibility Issues and Cup Ambitions
Guardiola also confirmed that January signing Marc Guehi will be unavailable for selection due to Carabao Cup eligibility rules, having joined from Crystal Palace after the first leg was played. Conversely, fellow winter arrival Antoine Semenyo is cleared to feature against his former club, providing Guardiola with additional attacking options.
The Manchester City boss emphasised the importance of the competition to his club, highlighting their impressive recent record in the tournament. 'We have the chance to make our fifth final in ten years in the Carabao Cup,' Guardiola noted, while acknowledging the challenge posed by Eddie Howe's Newcastle side despite their commanding first-leg advantage.
Learning from Recent Setbacks
Guardiola referenced Sunday's disappointing collapse against Tottenham, where City surrendered a two-goal lead, as a timely reminder against complacency. 'It is a reality in the second half we dropped what we got in the first,' he reflected, suggesting his relatively inexperienced squad must develop greater maturity in managing games.
The City manager stressed the need for focus and preparation against a Newcastle team that reached last season's Champions League, warning: 'I know perfectly Howe and the many times we have played against Newcastle, the pride they have... so we need to be prepared.'
With Arsenal hosting Chelsea in Tuesday's other semi-final, having established a 3-2 advantage from the first leg at Stamford Bridge, Manchester City will be determined to secure their Wembley place and maintain their strong tradition in a competition that has brought them considerable success throughout Guardiola's tenure.
