Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola hands fitness update ahead of Premier League clash against Brentford

Pep Guardiola spoke to the press ahead of Manchester City’s visit to Brentford for their final game of the Premier League campaign on Sunday.

The Blues picked up their third league title on the bounce following a 1-0 triumph over Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium last week after Arsenal’s loss to Nottingham Forest confirmed Manchester City as the champions of England once again.

Ruben Dias, Jack Grealish, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji were missing from the City squad that travelled to the south coast for City’s 1-1 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion in midweek.

The City squad have been busy celebrating their league crown after Sunday but upcoming FA Cup and Champions League finals against Manchester United and Inter respectively will keep Guardiola’s men on their toes.

Previewing his side’s trip to London, Guardiola provided an update on the fitness of the City squad and his selection plans against the Bees.

“It’s getting better. They’re training tomorrow and we’ll see how they are,” the Catalan said in a press conference on Friday afternoon.

Guardiola was asked if City will face any key absences this weekend ahead of a run of games that could see the Blues pull off a treble. He added: “Nope (no one is definitely out). Some of them are half-half.”

It remains to be seen if Guardiola goes full strength in City’s final game before cup finals against Manchester United and Inter, but the feeling is that the five-time Premier League winner will play his best XI against Thomas Frank’s side.

“I will play the game as strong as possible. If the players are available, we will pick them,” the Manchester City head coach said.

On his selection plans for the two finals that will arguably define Manchester City’s season, Guardiola added: “I have a plan for (Manchester) United and or Inter. You have to prepare differently. I have to see how many players I have, if they are fit.

“After seeing United yesterday (in their 4-1 win over Chelsea), I am really impressed. I would be careful anyway but after yesterday and the games recently, we are going to prepare the best we can.”