Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola provided an injury update and more ahead of the Premier League trip to Leeds United on Saturday
Manchester City's manager Pep Guardiola speaks during a press conference at the Etihad Campus training ground in Manchester
Pep Guardiola faced the media on Friday ahead of the Premier League trip to Leeds
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Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku has returned to training ahead of the Premier League trip to Leeds United on Saturday.
The Belgian has been sidelined since late January and while he is not expected to play at Elland Road, his return will be a boost for Pep Guardiola ahead of a hectic few weeks as City chase success in four competitions.
The Blues boss was also asked about City drawing Real Madrid in the Champions League last-16 among other topics. Here's everything Guardiola said in his press conference.
Real Madrid in the Champions League are familiar opponents, does that experience help?
"It helps for our club. As much as we play against the best teams in the history of the competition you learn and improve and will be better in the future."
The impact of free midweeks?
"If we win, it will have been perfect. If not, we have to play every three days. We have a rest. We made really good training sessions and ready for the road."
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The challenge of Elland Road?
Elland Road is Elland Road and the last results at Stamford Bridge, at Villa Park, they have the plus of the home crowd but we are ready for this challenge again."
What's the team news?
"Yesterday Jeremy made the first training session. We talk with the doctors and physios afterwards."
Do you have to change the schedule for Ramadan?
"They follow this religious tradition, we have good nutritionists, and they adapt to what the team needs. They cannot adapt to the Premier League kick off times and I think they are used - they are not young and have many years play in this period."
Do you have to consider selection around fasting?
"No, they take care and they know how you handle these situations."
Has Kolo Toure told you anything about Ramadan?
"To me no, but for the players I think it is not new. It's not the first time for Ramadan and they know perfectly how to handle it. They are in touch with nutritionists and doctors, they know what to do."
Do you have a favourite grounds to play at?
"In 10 years I have not been many times [to Elland Road]. It has always been an incredible stadium and good vibes. There are many Premier League stadiums that are traditional and Elland Road is one of them. I like Fulham, I like Watford, Goodison Park. The new ones are beautiful."
Players drinking cocktails, then good sessions?
"They trained really well over these few days. The moment you can have, when we can train less because the schedule allows it we have to clean the minds and legs to come back better."
What is the pressure of trying to win a first title, as Mikel Arteta is, like?
"I don't remember. I'm not here to give advice to Mikel."
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