Gunnarsson’s close to comeback
CARDIFF City have no fresh injury concerns ahead of their huge clash with reigning Premier League champions Man City tomorrow.
The Bluebirds remain without a win in the league so far this season, but are still above the relegation zone ahead of the visit of Pep Guardiola’s side having earned two draws from their five outings to date.
Neil Warnock will once again be unable to call upon the services of long-term absentee Nathaniel Mendez-Laing following the winger’s injury in the early stages of the 0-0 draw with Huddersfield Town last month.
The Yorkshireman will also be without Josh Murphy who has not starred for the Bluebirds since the stalemate with Huddersfield due to a hamstring problem.
But the Bluebirds’ only other concern surrounds the fitness of central midfielder Aron Gunnarsson.
The Iceland international is yet to feature for Cardiff this season due to a knee problem, but is understood to be edging ever closer to getting back on the pitch having returned to training.
Warnock admitted he could have selected the midfielder against Chelsea last weekend before adding he does not want to rush the 29-year-old back too soon.
Man City have far more worries than the Bluebirds, although their squad depth means they will still field a very strong side in South Wales.
Striker Sergio Aguero is expected to featured after coming on as a substitute in the second half of his side’s 2-1 Champions League defeat to Lyon on
Wednesday having suffered an ankle problem against Fulham four days earlier.
But the reigning champions are sweating on the fitness of Benjamin Mendy, who has not featured since before the international break.
The French left-back missed Man City’s games with Fulham and Lyon due to a knee problem and could well miss the trip to the Welsh capital.
Belgium star Kevin De Bruyne – who scored against the Bluebirds in the FA Cup in January - will be the major absentee for the visitors after he was ruled out of action for around three months as a result of the knee injury he suffered in training last month.
And back-up goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is also a long-term absentee, meaning Kosovan youngster Aro Muric is set to feature on the bench once again as a No.2 to first-choice shot-stopper Ederson.
Elsewhere, Brazilian full-back Danilo is unlikely to be risked having not played since suffering a foot injury at the World Cup in Russia, while youngster Philippe Sandler and centre-back Equalim Mangala are unavailable. Predicted lineups Cardiff City: Etheridge; Manga, Morrison (C), Bamba, Bennett; Camarasa, Ralls, Arter; Hoilett, Reid, Ward.
Man City: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Laporte, Delph, B Silva, Fernandinho, D Silva (C), Sterling, Aguero, Sane.