Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed winger Raheem Sterling will be fit to face Fulham on Saturday. Sterling missed out on England’s UEFA Nations League debut and their follow up friendly with Switzerland due to injury. He will now feature in some compacity against Fulham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Manchester City injury news: Are Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne nearing full fitness?
Sterling’s injury was not as serious as first believed. He returned to Manchester City training during the week after scans found no major problems.
While Sterling will feature in Manchester City’s match against Fulham attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne won’t be ready to play. The Belgian playmaker is recovering from a medial ligament injury.
Manchester City have stated De Bruyne will be back in mid-October and won’t be rushed. It is unknown just how he will be integrated back into the football team once he returns.
“Kevin is progressing well. He’s not fit for tomorrow but he’s progressing well. The official doctor told me that he is doing well in that perspective,” Guardiola said.
Manchester City starting XI
Guardiola dropped forward Leroy Sane and the German player is struggling for form. Guardiola may re-call Sane for Fulham’s visit.
Danilo has returned to training, but his participation in Saturday’s fixture will be determined prior to kick off.
Guardiola is expected to play an attacking three of Sterling, Sergio Aguero, and Bernardo Silva. Sane and summer signing Riyad Mahrez will begin on the bench. Mahrez has struggled to fit in at Manchester City this season.
David Silva, Fernandinho, and Ilkay Gundogan will most likely be selected in midfield. Meanwhile, Guardiola is expected to deploy Aymeric Laporte, John Stones, Kyle Walker, and Benjamin Mendy in defence. Ederson will once again man the Manchester City goal.
Guardiola doesn’t have any suspension to worry about as aim for three fourth win. If results go their way, Manchester City could end Saturday on top of the table.