The Blues’ boss has already suggested a back-up for Mendy is a possibility, and the 4th Official suggest one target could be Juventus star Alex Sandro.
They write: “Reportedly, the Spanish manager has got his eyes on the Brazilian left-back Sandro, who is currently playing for the Italian club Juventus. The brilliant Selecao is one of the best full-backs in Europe in the current scenario and has attracted the eyes of a number of big-name clubs from all over Europe, especially from the Premier League.
“The 26-year-old has been in fine form in the last couple of seasons in the Serie A, leading his club to glory in the last season in both the Supercoppa Italia and the Italian Serie A. He also displayed his superb skills in the Champions League and helped his side get to the final of the tournament where they were eventually beaten by the Spanish giants Real Madrid.”
Staying with a Brazilian theme and David Anderson in the Mirror has highlighted a player whose consistency and importance to the side perhaps sometimes slips under the radar.
He writes: “Fernandinho is City’s unsung hero, sacrificing himself for the team. He has the quality to play higher up the pitch, but happily plays the holding role to give the likes of de Bruyne and Silva licence to get forward.
“He did it again (against Shakhtar) and he shielded his defence, making a goal-saving tackle on Fred when City were under the cosh in the first half.
“He was outstanding and gave City’s attacking talent the platform they needed with Shakhtar looking so impressive to make the breakthrough.”
Our Brazil theme continues, too!
ESPN Brasil caught up with Gabriel Jesus after the Blues’ midweek Champions League win and asked him what the manager had said as he came off as a second half sub.
Said Jesus: “Guardiola spoke to me and gave me an explanation of why he took me out game. He always talks, I accept it.
“Of course, nobody likes to be replaced. If anyone said they do, it’s because they do not want to play.
“It’s a bit complicated. I sometimes play up top, and most of the time I do not have anything to complain about.
“I’ll always accept the coach’s decision. I’ll always work hard and play for the team. If he picks me to play up front I’ll be very happy.
“I’ve not played so well lately and I was not playing so well against Shakhtar. I missed a few passes, it’s normal, but I was able to do what the coach asked me to do.”
Finally, returning to Mendy, Ilkay Gundogan has offered some words of support while City await news on his knee injury.
The Daily Mail report: “Gundogan has offered his support to team-mate Benjamin Mendy, who could now be facing a long time on the sidelines with a knee injury himself.
“The left-back was hurt in Saturday’s victory over Palace and will be assessed this week by Barcelona-based specialist Dr Ramon Cugat who treated Gundogan, among several other City players, last year.
Gundogan said: ‘I think our task now is just to support him and just to be there if he needs something from us. I know how difficult these kind of situations are.
‘There’s not really much to talk about at the moment but we wish him a very speedy recovery and we support him every way.’
That’s all for today – we’ll return with plenty of Chelsea build up tomorrow…
