Manchester City will have a similar squad to choose from on Wednesday night against Juventus as the one that travelled to Selhurst Park last weekend.
That’s despite Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden returning to training ahead of the Champions League match in Turin and being named in the matchday squad. But Guardiola said he does not expect the pair to be available, with Kovacic just returning to the squad following a recent injury and Foden recovering from a bout of bronchitis.
“I don't think so,” Guardiola said in Italy when asked if the pair might feature against Juventus. “Maybe a few minutes for Kova, but I don't think so. But it's nice to have them back in the team and in training sessions, and of course travel with us.”
Elsewhere, the City boss would put no timeframe on the return dates for Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake, both of whom are struggling with recent knocks. John Stones is still missing, as are long-term absentees Rodri and Oscar Bobb.
Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku were only fit enough to start on the bench at the weekend and came on in the latter stages, but it’s hoped both will be able to return to the XI in Turin.
The only other doubt is Kevin De Bruyne. The midfielder has returned from a recent pelvis injury, and Guardiola is still wary of the number of minutes De Bruyne plays. He has started the last two games and a third might be a stretch for the 33-year-old.
With all that in mind, here’s the team we expected Guardiola to name against Juve…
The first of the three predicted changes sees Ederson regain his place after missing the last three matches. Guardiola has been keen to stress his first-choice keeper would come back at some point, and for such a big match this feels like a good time.
1. GK: Ederson
The first of the three predicted changes sees Ederson regain his place after missing the last three matches. Guardiola has been keen to stress his first-choice keeper would come back at some point, and for such a big match this feels like a good time.
At fault for two goals again at the weekend, the right-back is really struggling at present.
2. RB: Kyle Walker
At fault for two goals again at the weekend, the right-back is really struggling at present.
Spoke about City regaining their form in the press conference and has established himself as a really authoritative figure in the midst of this downturn in form.
3. CB: Ruben Dias
Spoke about City regaining their form in the press conference and has established himself as a really authoritative figure in the midst of this downturn in form.
Another whose form has dropped markedly in recent weeks. Gvardiol looked nervous against Crystal Palace, but with no other defenders available he will almost certainly start.
4. CB: Josko Gvardiol
Another whose form has dropped markedly in recent weeks. Gvardiol looked nervous against Crystal Palace, but with no other defenders available he will almost certainly start.