PEP GUARDIOLA says he will make Leroy Sane wait before he makes his long awaited comeback from injury.
The German international, 24, is closing in on a return after six months out with a cruciate ligament injury.
Guardiola won’t rush Sane back to first-team action after injuryCredit: Getty
Sane played an hour for Man City’s Under-23s on Friday night and was hoping to feature at Sheffield Wednesday or in the Manchester derby.
But Guardiola says he will not rush the £37million ace back – and is more likely to play him in a Premier League game than the cup.
Asked if he will feature at Hillsborough, he said: “No. He is not ready. He’s been out six months and needs a process.
“When you start you feel good but he is doing the normal steps to come back, playing in the second time 50-60 minutes.
“Now it is weeks and weeks and weeks and play in the second team.
“Tomorrow is a final and an incredibly important game for us. Maybe it will be easier to play in the Premier League than this Cup competition we need to win.”
Guardiola confirmed Sergio Aguero is fit to play in the fifth-round tie despite ending the Carabao Cup final with an ice pack on his leg.
And Wembley hero Claudio Bravo will continue to deputise for Ederson for the domestic cup games – which has been the policy in recent seasons.
Meanwhile, Pep believes the sky is the limit for England hopeful Phil Foden.
The 19-year-old was Man of the Match in the Carabao Cup final win over Aston Villa at Wembley on Sunday.
And he will be hoping for another chance as City continue their defence of the FA Cup at Sheffield Wednesday.
England boss Gareth Southgate will know all about Foden’s performance as his No2 Steve Holland was in the stands.
Foden has made only 61 appearances for City – although he has picked up eight pieces of silverware at the age of 19.
Guardiola said: “I want the best for him. He will get what he deserves.
“Of course delighted about his performance and his behaviour in good moments and bad moments.
“He is just thinking work and work and it always pays off.
“Improving and improving and improving. He’s 19 years old you have a lot to improve but with his behaviour he can achieve whatever he wants.”
Foden was Man of the Match as Man City won the Carabao CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Guardiola said his team looked hungry in training on Tuesday – less than two days after they picked up their first major trophy of the season.
He is expected to make more changes at Hillsborough with Kevin de Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus, Bernardo Silva and RIyad Mahrez among those who were on the bench at Wembley.
Guardiola said: “They trained really well today. They were so focused and I like that.”
Man City kitman Brandon Ashton celebrates in traditional style after Carabao Cup win
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
