CITY SPECIAL Ben’s on mend but faces race for Russia

BENJAMIN Mendy still needs to prove his fitness to France coach Didier Deschamps before earning his chance in the World Cup.

The 23-year-old was rewarded for his recovery from a long-term injury this season with a place in the squad for the summer competition, with the manager praising the efforts made to work his way back into contention.

However, a lack of game time at City has left question marks over Mendy’s ability to cope with the demands of tournament football, and he will be assessed over the next couple of weeks before a final decision is made.

“Benjamin is coming out of a long and serious injury,” said Deschamps.

“The only list that will count is on June 4 at noon [FIFA’s final deadline for World Cup squads]. Until then, I can change any of the 23 at any time.

“With the 15 days of preparation and friendly matches that we have, I’ll know a little more about his condition.

“I am not certain that he can play 90 minutes, we will look at it with the staff. They have followed his condition, and I personally have, too.

“He is full of enthusiasm, he did everything to be here. He had a little bit of game time at the end of the season, he could have had a little more, but never mind.”

Aymeric Laporte wished Mendy luck after missing out on a place in the squad. City’s record signing hoped his January move would earn him a spot on the plane but did not make the standby list.