Pep Guardiola has issued an update on the fitness of three key Manchester City players.
City ended their Premier League season on an underwhelming note on Sunday, as Guardiola’s side lost 1-0 to Brentford in London.
The result brought an end to City’s 25-match unbeaten run, and ensured that Brentford are the only team to do the double over Premier League champions this season.
City secured a third consecutive league crown last weekend, meaning their final two league outings were effectively treated as preparation for the upcoming FA Cup and Champions League finals.
Guardiola used Sunday’s match as well as the midweek draw at Brighton to rotate his side and give rest to those who needed it.
A number of key first-team players didn’t make the trip to the south coast, and it was a similar situation against Brentford.
Kevin de Bruyne, Ruben Dias and Jack Grealish remained in Manchester, prompting worry among some supporters that the trio will not be in good shape for the FA Cup final meeting against Manchester United on Saturday.
Speaking after the defeat, Guardiola revealed why the trio were absent.
“Ruben [Dias] didn’t train 10 days, [Jack] Grealish neither,” Guardiola said, as reported by the Manchester Evening News’ Joe Bray.
“After Brighton, Kevin [De Bruyne] felt the same feelings as before, a few weeks ago. They couldn’t play a few games. It’s not a big issue. I think they will be ready [for Wembley].”
Guardiola also said that the trio, as well as Manuel Akanji, are mentally drained.
Grealish and Dias were named on the bench for City’s 1-0 win against Chelsea last weekend but were not included in the squads to face Brighton and Brentford.
With the FA Cup final against Manchester United and the Champions League final against Inter coming up in the next two weeks, Guardiola has previously spoken of the importance for his key players getting regular minutes in order to maintain rhythm.
All three missing out on the trip to Brentford is not how he would have planned his ideal cup final preparations.
