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Manchester City team news ahead of the visit of Sunderland.
Manchester City have been dealt a big blow ahead of the Sunderland clash at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon with Rodri ruled out.
The news is a welcome boost for Regis Le Bris’ side, who will look to build on the excellent point secured away at Anfield on Wednesday night. For City though, they will have to take on an in-form Sunderland side without their 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in October. That followed his comeback from a long-term knee injury.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, City boss Guardiola - when asked if Rodri was fit - said: “No.
“He’s getting better. He’s getting better. I don’t know how long [until he’s back] but he will be ready.” The City boss has also heaped praise on Sunderland and described the Black Cats as a ‘good challenge’ for his title-chasing side.
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“All I can say from my opinion is that they deserve to be where they are,” he told his Friday press conference. “When you are promoted and you play well for five games, okay momentum. It can happen. “But for 14 fixtures in the Premier League with the opponents like everyone suffers to take results in that position they deserve.
“They do it well otherwise they won’t be where they are. Good challenge for us.”
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What is the latest Sunderland team news?
Régis Le Bris has dropped a strong hint that he has no intention of resting Granit Xhaka or Noah Sadiki when Sunderland face Manchester City on Saturday.
The pair both sit on four yellow cards for the season, one away from an automatic one-game suspension. It’s a source of nerves for supporters as the Black Cats prepare for the Wear-Tyne derby against Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light next Sunday.
The duo have already come through a handful of games without picking up their fifth yellow and the Sunderland head coach looks set to back them to do so again. After a strong team performance at Anfield in which the Black Cats were good value for their 1-1 draw, Le Bris wants to have the best chance possible of landing another result.
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