Guardiola provides positive update on Sterling fitness

Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling is “much, much better” after missing the Carabao Cup final with a hamstring injury, according to manager Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola’s side – 3-0 Wembley winners against Arsenal on Sunday – face the Gunners again in Premier League action at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night.

“Raheem is much, much better,” Guardiola said. “I don’t know if he can play tomorrow but hopefully Chelsea (on Sunday) or Basel (on March 7).”

The City boss confirmed Fernandinho will definitely miss the Arsenal game with a hamstring strain.

Left-back Fabian Delph serves the second match of a three-game suspension while Benjamin Mendy (knee) is a long-term absentee.

Meanwhile, Guardiola, who on Sunday vowed to carry on wearing his yellow ribbon in support of imprisoned Catalan politicians because he is “a human being before a manager”, plans to write to the Football Association to explain his stance.

“I am going to write to the FA about my position,” the 47-year-old said. “I am available for them. No problem.”

Guardiola faces a potential fine for breaching the FA’s “kit and advertising regulations”, but has pledged to continue his show of support, even if it eventually leads to a touchline ban.

City squad: Ederson, Bravo, Walker, Danilo, Kompany, Otamendi, Stones, Laporte, Zinchenko, Toure, Gundogan, De Bruyne, D Silva, B Silva, Sane, Foden, Diaz, Aguero, Jesus.

 

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