Rico Lewis has impressed for Manchester City of late but was substituted at half time of Saturday’s 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Pep Guardiola denied it was down to an injury picked up, however, insisting that City’s need for more “physical presence” was required to nullify Wolves’ threat.
Lewis created two chances, whipped in two accurate crosses and completed 88.9% of his passes, but he failed to turn over possession and didn’t make a clearance before being hauled off, so he wasn’t at his best against Wolves. Guardiola also suggested fitness went into the decision, noting that Lewis played just days ago and could benefit from a rest.
As per City Extra, Pep told reporters: “No, no, no (injury to Lewis). I wanted to change to more solidity. I thought Nathan (Ake) could control (Adama Traore) better than anyone else.
“And Rico has to know that playing every two or three days at that age is not easy. The substitution was just to put more physical presence in that position.”
Lewis has made 13 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring one goal. He’s keeping Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo out of the starting eleven on merit, showing maturity and versatility that belies his young age.
City lock horns with Arsenal in the FA Cup on Friday, January 27, but it remains to be seen if Lewis will start as Guardiola often rings the changes for cup games.
In other news, Pep Guardiola will be delighted to see Erling Haaland returning to form in Wolves win
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