Manchester City is making a last-ditch effort to stay among the top teams after a string of disappointing results, with several changes to their squad.
According to Reuters, the Citizens will make changes to their squad for the match against Chelsea on Saturday, as two key players, Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku, will miss the game at Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola, City’s manager, shared on Friday with the press that they will be adding newcomers Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis, and Abdukodir Khusanov to the team for the upcoming match.
Dias was withdrawn at half-time during Wednesday’s match against Paris St Germain due to an abductor injury.
While Doku “felt something” during the match against Ipswich Town on January 19, in which City dominated 6-0.
Guardiola discussed the new additions, saying, “Vitor is young, he has a huge personality, needs time. If he’s here with us, of course, he can start.”
“Khusanov has already adapted to playing in the French league, handling tough, quick, fast players. But he doesn’t speak much English, so communication will be something we need to address,” he added.
It’s worth noting that Khusanov will be the first Uzbek player in the Man City squad.
“Marmoush, I think he will adapt quickly,” said Guardiola about the Egyptian footballer who has been in fantastic form for Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2024/25 season, with 20 goals in 26 matches.
Guardiola emphasized that these young players joining the team will make a positive impact and strengthen the squad.
Currently, City are fifth in the table, with Chelsea two points above them in fourth.
Given the recent results, a fifth consecutive Premier League title seems unlikely, but Guardiola remains confident that his team will secure at least a top-four finish.
He concluded the press conference by stating, “(Saturday’s match) is really important. We are very close in the table, even with the big problems we’ve had recently. This week’s goal is really, really important.”
Pep Guardiola didn’t comment much on the departure of captain Kyle Walker, who has joined AC Milan on loan.
