Pep Guardiola delivers Manchester Derby fitness update



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Pep Guardiola has confirmed Manchester City have no injury issues ahead of Sunday’s Manchester Derby.

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Nathan Ake is available for selection again, which means Guardiola has a fully fit squad to choose from for the first time this season.

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A muscle problem held back Ake for two months, with his last appearance in the Boxing Day victory over Newcastle United, but the Dutch defender responded well after returning to full training earlier this week.

“This is good news for us,” Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference.

“Nathan is back. He did the workouts and felt really good.

“Everyone is in good shape. It’s important for us and I hope that at the international break everyone will come back very well.

While City will have a full squad of players, the same cannot be said of Manchester United, who could find themselves without up to six senior members of the squad.

Juan Mata and Phil Jones are both unavailable, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed David De Gea will miss the game after the birth of his first child.

Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek and Paul Pogba all have doubts after missing the midweek draw with Crystal Palace.

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With 11 games to go, the victory would see City open up a 17-point lead over United at the top of the Premier League table.

Guardiola’s side are the in-form team in the country to have won 21 straight games, while United have a particularly impressive away record and have won three of the last six games in the derby.

The city boss recognizes the importance of the game, but says his team must treat it like another game in our attempt to be crowned champions.

“It’s important this game,” he added.

“It is, like the preceding, the preceding and the following. One game at a time.

“I know how difficult United are. I have the feeling that they are a better team every season. They haven’t lost for over a year.

“They still do well here at Etihad Stadium – but we know the opportunity we have to extend our advantage.

“The Premier League is 38 games, it’s one of them. Obviously, they are now real contenders, second in the table.

“Everyone knows how important it is. We will try to win the game. “

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