Jesus fit again and ready for City return

Pep Guardiola has opened up the tantalising prospect of the teenage Brazilian, Gabriel Jesus, starting in tomorrow’s Wembley FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal following his recovery from a broken metatarsal.

It appears likely Jesus, who scored three goals in four league games after making his debut against Tottenham in January, will at least be on the bench. “No,” said Guardiola when asked if he had ruled Jesus out of starting. “He’s really, really much, much better. Today he will take part in training with us. He’s coming back with his happiness and we are so happy he’s back. We are going to travel with all the squad to Wembley, and he will be part of that.”

Jesus scored a disallowed “goal” on his debut as a substitute and was devastating thereafter, quickly forcing Sergio Agüero out of the starting line-up, until suffering his injury and undergoing surgery in mid-February.

“He has made an impact,” said Guardiola. “You know how difficult it is to come into the Premier League and play how we play. In just 10 minutes against Tottenham he created two or three chances himself and ‘scored’. He has an impact for sure.”

England defender John Stones is out of the Wembley semi-final, although he is expected to recover from a muscular injury in time for Thursday’s Manchester derby against United.

The FA Cup remains Guardiola’s only hope of ending his first season in English football with silverware to add to his considerable collection and he admits the club’s owners may not be satisfied if he fails to win the competition.