Man City ready for title push, with injured players set to return, says Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is looking forward to the return of several key players from injury as he looks to push for multiple major titles, including the Premier League, he told the club’s official website.

Guardiola said he would prefer to be top of the table in the Premier League but is happy City are within striking distance of leaders Arsenal.

City, who visit Nottingham Forest for a Premier League match on Saturday, are two points behind Arsenal in the English top flight. In the Champions League, fourth-placed City are five points behind Arsenal, but remain on course for a direct participation in the round of 16 with a place in the top eight.

«I would prefer to be 10 points ahead of everyone, but it is what it is. Arsenal are doing very well, but we are here… we are still at the end of December,» Guardiola said in an interview published on Friday.

«The Champions League, we’re up there, and the Premier League we’re there, (League Cup) semi-finals, we’re starting the FA Cup soon. Some key players are coming back, so let’s take it step by step, game by game, and see what happens.»

Midfielder Rodri, who has not played since early November due to a hamstring injury, could be available for the Forest trip, Guardiola said.

«Rodri is much, much better. Available or not, we will decide today,» the manager said.

“(Jeremy) Doku and John (Stones) are still not here, but they will be back soon.”

Published on December 26, 2025