Benjamin Mendy could make his long-awaited return to the Manchester City team in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Burton Albion, Pep Guardiola has confirmed.
The French full-back has been out of action since November having undergone surgery on a knee injury.
But Guardiola has revealed Mendy has travelled with the rest of the City team for their second-leg against League One Burton.
“He is in the squad, he will travel with us,” the manager told the media at a pre-match press conference.
Asked if he could be on the bench, Guardiola added: “Maybe.”
City have all but put the tie to bed already, as they go to the Pirelli Stadium with a huge 9-0 lead from the first-leg.
And while Guardiola will make changes to his team, he is likely to field another strong XI against a side two divisions below them – with Kevin De Bruyne among the senior players set to feature.
“The guys who have a lot of games in their legs are going to rest,” Guardiola said.
“Players who need to play, who haven’t played lately or have come back from injury, are going to play.”
“We are going to play some young players and some will be on the bench.
“Two or three will play and two or three will be on the bench. Kevin is going to play.”
Captain Vincent Kompany, though, remains on the injury list.
The Belgian centre-back has been out since the victory over Liverpool on January 3 with a muscular problem and is not ready for this game.
Guardiola said of Kompany: “He’s not OK. He’s had a few little injuries and he’s not fit.
Asked when the defender will return, Guardiola added: “Soon – but I don’t know when.”
