Guardiola says Oscar Bob is close to returning as leg injury improves

The 2024/25 Premier League will usher in the 29th round of the competition, and the "Blue Moon" Manchester City will face the "Seagulls" Brighton at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola said that striker Oscar Bob's leg injury has improved and is expected to return to the field.

Oscar Bob, 21, suffered a leg injury in August last year and has been out for a long time.

Manchester City currently ranks fifth in the Premier League standings with 47 points. They have achieved 2 wins and 3 losses in the last 5 rounds and still have to face many competitors in their fight for the Champions League qualification.

Manchester City coach Guardiola said, "Oscar Bob is now participating in training steadily and feels much better. He played a friendly match with the second team earlier because he needs to play to get back to form. This is also difficult for me because all the forwards are currently able to play. We hope to give him some playing time, which is what we have to do, and it is difficult to judge his recovery only by training."

"It's important that he thinks he's OK and makes sure he can play the way he wants to play. Then he'll have the same chance as any other player to compete for playing time."

In addition, the 20-year-old Manchester City defender Rico Lewis has scored one goal and two assists in the Premier League so far this season, and also contributed one assist in the Champions League, but this time he was not selected for the England national team.

Speaking of Rico Lewis, Guardiola said, "He has been healthy and injury-free since pre-season. I admire players who work 24 hours a day to stay in shape, and he has been doing so since pre-season. He has played a lot of games and deserves these minutes. Of course he can play more and contribute more to us."

"People always forget that he is still very young. He performed well in the U21 competition, and the future of every player depends on their efforts. He has always been confident and mentally strong. Even if he makes a mistake, he can adjust quickly and get back into the game."

Guardiola also said, "Like Foden, he has been playing in the Premier League since he joined the first team. But football is not always smooth sailing. He is going through an unprecedented season, which is difficult. But I believe this will help him realize that there may be lows and difficult times in his career. The key is how to deal with them."