My champions aren’t even fit yet, warns Guardiola
PEP GUARDIOLA has sent a chilling message to Manchester City’s rivals by claiming the champions are not fully fit yet. Both Kevin De Bruyne and Claudio Bravo were hit by injuries this month and Guardiola is concerned about the recovery of his players. Fernandinho endured difficulties after the 6-1 rout of Huddersfield last weekend and Guardiola says his squad will not be up to speed until the middle of September. ‘The problem for us is we are not far away but we are still not fit,’ said Guardiola, whose side have won both Premier League games. ‘Normally the regeneration is quicker but they need more time because we didn’t have a preseason. They arrived back and immediately played the Community Shield and the Arsenal game. A few players are much better but we need more time for power and strength. ‘We are still not in the best condition, that’s why we have to take points and hopefully after the international break we can be better and better.’ Leroy Sane has played just three minutes of City’s first two league games but looks set for a return. ‘He is ready with his physical condition,’ Guardiola added. ‘In the past two weeks in training I’ve seen the Leroy that I know.’ Guardiola said Aro Muric, 19, will serve as Ederson’s deputy after Bravo’s ruptured achilles tendon.