Returning former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan is in contention to make his second debut for the club in today’s visit of Ipswich.
The midfielder on Friday morning sealed a remarkable return to the Premier League champions, just a year after guiding the club to a historic Treble and then leaving to join Barcelona.
A season at Camp Nou was far from a failure under head coach Xavi, but the new manager Hansi Flick is reportedly keen to get Gundogan off the wage bill and Pep Guardiola was more than happy to oblige.
Gundogan last played for Barcelona on August 12 so is not lacking match fitness, and could be named on the bench for the visit of Kieran McKenna’s side. The midfielder’s return was confirmed before the midday deadline to be registered for the weekend, so is expected to be eligible to face Ipswich on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Phil Foden is pushing for a start after coming off the bench at half-time of the win over Chelsea. He replaced the impressive Savinho, who picked up a knock.
Guardiola said of the Brazilian winger: “He feels better. I don't think he's completely top. He's been in training. We'll see today and tomorrow what we will do with him.”
Jeremy Doku could also make way, with Jack Grealish hoping for a chance. Erling Haaland will lead the line again.
Rodri is not expected to be fit to start but could also take a place on the bench.
Guardiola told reporters: “He's getting better. He's not with the group. Maybe today partial training but it's not good. I don't think [he will be ready for Ipswich] but we’ll see.”
Predicted Man City XI: Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, De Bruyne, Kovacic, Bernardo, Foden, Haaland, Doku
Doubts: Rodri, Savinho
Injured: Bobb
Time and date: 3pm BST on Saturday, August 24, 2024
