Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has given injury updates on Rayan Cherki, Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku, who have all been struggling for fitness.
Guardiola’s side host Newcastle United on Wednesday night in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final and are in a very good position after the first game.
Antoine Semenyo and Cherki scored the goals in a 2-0 win at St James’ Park, meaning the Magpies will have to pull off a huge upset to reach the final.
Arsenal host Chelsea in the other semi-final on Tuesday night, having beaten the Blues 3-2 at Stamford Bridge last month.
Guardiola is still hopeful that he will have Cherki available to him after the France international went off injured in the 2-2 draw at Tottenham on Sunday.
The 22-year-old continued his good recent form by scoring in north London, but was withdrawn and remains a doubt for the Newcastle game.
On Cherki’s fitness, Guardiola told a press conference on Tuesday afternoon: ‘Have a knock, we will see today how he feels.’
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Dias and Doku have both been out recently, with the former closing on a return, while the Belgian winger has still not trained after limping out of a win over Galatasaray last week.
‘Ruben started to train yesterday and Jeremy not yet,’ said the Manchester City boss.
Guardiola will also be without Marc Guehi, who is ineligible after his January move from Crystal Palace as he joined after the first leg of the semi-final was played.
Semenyo joined earlier in January, so he is available, with Guardiola confirming: ‘Yeah Antoine can play and March no. Yeah, ok. Play another one.’
Manchester City have enjoyed an excellent record in the Carabao Cup in recent years and Guardiola is keen to extend it amid a season which is proving difficult on other fronts.
‘We have the chance to make our fifth final in ten years in the Carabao Cup,’ he said. ‘Of course it was a good result [in the first leg] I would prefer to start 2-0 up but I know perfectly [Eddie] Howe and the many times we have played against Newcastle, the pride they have and being a Champions League team so we need to be prepared and see how the players recover after a tough game with Spurs.
‘Play our game for our people and our fans and try to reach Wembley in March.’
