Pep Guardiola has revealed Ilkay Gundogan will definitely start against Sheffield United tomorrow.
The Manchester City manager rarely reveals any of his hand in advance, but said that the midfielder, who is in scintillating form and has seven goals in his last eight games, is already on the teamsheet.
Gundogan scored twice in the 5-0 rampage at West Brom in midweek, as well as filling the creative boots of Kevin de Bruyne by playing in a mire advanced position.
And the Germany international has been a key player in City's resurgence to the top of the table, after tomorrow's opponents pulled off a shock win at Manchester United on Wednesday.
Gundogan has had plenty of injury issues in the past, suffering two serious knee problems and a back issue which saw him miss an entire season for Borussia Dortmund.
And, at the age of 30, Pep Guardiola is cautious about over-playing the midfielder.
But last week's FA Cup fourth round win at Cheltenham afforded him the chance to rest Gundogan, so the Blues are comfortable with playing him twice inside four days.
Asked if the clash with the Premier League's bottom club is a chance to rest the player, Guardiola said: "No, definitely not. Gundo is going to play tomorrow."
But Guardiola will still be without Covid-19 victim Sergio Aguero, yet to return to training, and injured Nathan Ake.
Sai the manager: "Sergio is not yet here. When he tests negative, he will come back. We still don't have the results back.
"Nathan Ake is not yet available. It's the same as for the last games."
