Is Pep Guardiola back this weekend? Plenty of Manchester City fans have been wondering about the Spaniard ahead of Saturday’s clash with West Ham.
The 52-year-old was absent for the 2-1 win against Sheffield United and also the 5-1 victory over Fulham before the international break due to severe back pain, which required an emergency operation.
So – after that unfortunate news – is Pep Guardiola back in the dugout for Manchester City this weekend? Let’s take a look…
Is Guardiola back?
Manchester City fans will be pleased to hear that Guardiola is indeed back on the touchline this weekend.
The Santpedor-born tactician has been present in training this week after handing duties over to Juanma Lillo while he was absent, and is ready to take control of his treble winners once again.
MORE MAN CITY STORIES
Lillo impressively managed to pick up six points in Guardiola’s absence – despite a late scare against Sheffield United – so Manchester City have managed to avoid any early slip ups in the title race despite being without the reigning UEFA Men’s Coach of the Year in recent weeks.
West Ham come into this Saturday’s fixture in fine form after winning three and drawing one of their opening four Premier League games, and will also have home advantage at the London Stadium.
Therefore, Guardiola’s return has come at a welcome time for the Citizens.
There could also be a full West Ham debut for Mohammed Kudus following his £38m move from Ajax, and the Ghana international certainly has the talent to cause Manchester City problems this weekend.
David Moyes also has the likes of Jarrod Bowen, James Ward-Prowse and Lucas Paqueta, the latter of whom Guardiola tried to sign this summer, so the Hammers are not short of firepower, to say the least.
Hopefully, Manchester City can maintain their perfect start to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.