Pep Guardiola named Aymeric Laporte in his 21-man squad ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, but BBC Sport say the 28-year-old might not feature against the Germans after ‘picking up a knock’ in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Laporte played a full 90 minutes against the Seagulls but went down late on after being kicked and looked to be in some discomfort. Guardiola said after the game that the Spanish international was walking in the dressing room, but he may not be 100% for Tuesday’s clash.
Where will Manchester City finish in the Premier League this season?
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th or lower
Guardiola isn’t short of options at centre-back with John Stones, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji also available, but Stones has only recently returned to fitness while Akanji is likely to start at right-back, so Laporte might have to be the only cover on the bench.
The 28-year-old has made four appearances in all competitions this season, amassing 283 minutes of football. Laporte was sidelined for months due to a knee injury and has to be careful with his workload, so Guardiola might not want to push him if he’s still carrying a knock.
City are favourites to come out on top regardless of who is in defence, but it’s a shame Laporte can’t get a run of games together after being a regular at centre-back last season.
In other news, injury boost for Pep Guardiola as John Stones ‘could play’ against Dortmund
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mancity will finish 1st
and sure retain the title