New boy Mahrez ready for Chelsea
COMMUNITY SHIELD: STAR WINGER SHAKES OFF INJURY
However, Pep is without De Bruyne, Sterling at Wembley.
Manchester City’s new £60 million signing Riyad Mahrez has shaken off an ankle knock picked up in pre-season and the forward could start tomorrow’s Community Shield match against Chelsea, manager Pep Guardiola said yesterday.
Mahrez, who joined the Premier League champions on a fiveyear contract from 2016 champions Leicester City last month, was forced off the pitch after a tough challenge by Bayern Munich defender Chris Richards in their final pre-season clash in the United States.
“Mahrez is good. He had a little bit of pain but he trained the day before yesterday. I think he can play on Sunday,” Guardiola told a press conference at City’s Etihad Stadium yesterday.
Spaniard Guardiola, who guided City to the Premier League and League Cup double last season, will not have the services of England forward Raheem Sterling and star Belgian midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, with both players still not ready following the World Cup in Russia.
“Kevin and Sterling are not here but they will be back after the game on Sunday,” Guardiola added. “From Monday we will be back all together and think about what we have to do to keep last season’s level.”
City are looking to become the first team since their illustrious neighbours Manchester United to defend their top-flight title. United achieved that feat a decade ago.
Standing in City’s way in their quest to begin the season with a trophy are FA Cup winners Chelsea, who have replaced manager Antonio Conte with compatriot and former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri.
“I am happy that he (Sarri) is here in the Premier League,” Guardiola said. “I will learn a lot by seeing his team every weekend. I saw three games, the team in a short time plays exactly like he wants them to.
“I think it will be a good game, always Chelsea are big rivals. Antonio was, Maurizio will be too. Their style of play will be perfect for English football.”
City begin their league campaign with a trip to Arsenal next Sunday while Chelsea travel to Huddersfield Town the previous day. – Reuters