Manchester City’s new signings Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush are all available for Saturday’s game against Chelsea. Coach Pep Guardiola said: “They will make us strong.”
City’s disappointing season took another turn in midweek when, after leading 2-0 in Paris, they were soundly beaten by PSG and their chances of progressing in the Champions League were in doubt.
However, they have been busy in the market, signing defenders Reis and Khusanov as well as striker Marmoush for a total fee of £128 million.
Guardiola confirmed they could all feature on Saturday, saying: “Vitor is young, he has a big personality, he needs time.” If he is here with us, of course he can start.
PEP 💬 (About Omar Marmoush) (He adds exceptional quality to the team… a future player for years with quality in the final third. That’s why (the club signed him). pic.twitter.com/DjN3uX9GOW
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 24, 2025
“Khusanov is already dealing with the fact that he played in the French league and dealt with tough, fast and fast players. But he doesn’t speak much English, so communication will be one of the situations we have to deal with.
“Marmoush, I think he’ll adapt quickly.
“They will make us strong and I am pretty sure the club has chosen these future players for the future and for many years to come.”
However, Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku will both be missing against Chelsea.
Dias had to be substituted at half-time of Wednesday’s Champions League defeat to Paris St-Germain.
Guardiola said Dias had an adductor injury and was unsure when he would be fit again.
Despite the poor first half of the season, Guardiola is confident of qualifying for the Champions League again next season.
He said, “We can do it. Why should I think otherwise?
“We will do it. I think it will happen. I’m very, very positive.”
