Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has cast doubts over Rayan Cherki’s availability for Wednesday’s EFL Cup semifinal second leg clash against Newcastle United, while also confirming that Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku will miss the clash.
The Cityzens are closing in on their first appearance in the EFL Cup final since 2021 and head into the second leg tomorrow night with a comfortable two-goal advantage from the first meeting.
Cherki, who has impressed since joining the club last summer, was on the scoresheet in the first leg at St James’ Park, but is now a major doubt for the return leg after picking up a knock during Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur. The 22-year-old had earlier opened the scoring, before he was eventually forced off in the second half and replaced by Tijjani Reijnders.
During his pre-match press duties ahead of the encounter, Guardiola admitted uncertainty over the availability of the former Lyon forward.
“He had a knock, we will see how he feels today”, the Spaniard said in quotes revealed by Sky Sports.
Meanwhile, Doku and Dias will play no part in the tie as they continue their recovery from injury. The former has been sidelined since picking up a problem in City’s 2-0 win over Galatasaray in their final Champions League group-phase game and missed the draw at Tottenham.
Dias, who was absent for the first leg, has not featured since suffering an injury against Chelsea on January 4. Guardiola confirmed that the defender has returned to training, but Wednesday’s match may come too soon for a comeback.
“Ruben started to train yesterday. Jeremy not yet.”
Antoine Semenyo and Cherki struck to give City the advantage in the first leg, and they will be hoping to build on that lead as they look to build their place in the final.
