Muric could be handed a Carabao call up
PEP Guardiola is considering handing rookie keeper Aro Muric a debut in tomorrow’s Carabao Cup clash.
City travel to Oxford United as they look to defend their first trophy of the Guardiola era and a number of changes are expected for the league cup game.
Claudio Bravo was one of the key players as he played every round in last season’s route to victory but a long-term injury will likely see him miss all of this year’s competition.
Guardiola is keen to keep his squad refreshed but will speak with goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor before deciding whether to rest Ederson for 19-year-old Muric, who was recalled from a season-long loan at NAC Breda when the extent of Bravo’s injury was confirmed.
The trip to the League Two side presents an opportunity to give minutes to squad players that have not been frequently used so far.
That means likely starts for Brahim Diaz and Aleks Zinchenko but the manager also confirmed that some players involved in the 5-0 win over Cardiff will feature. Nicolas Otamendi and Riyad Mahrez have both made just two starts, while Phil Foden is waiting for his first start but impressed off the bench.
“I know quite clearly the guys in the first team that are going to play,” the manager said.
“Danilo is coming back, Aleks [Zinchenko] and Brahim [Diaz], some players that played are going to play because they need rhythm Nico played today but hasn’t played too much in the last month. We are going to use a lot of players.”