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Pep Guardiola admits that it is too early to decide whether Gabriel Jesus, Benjamin Mendy, John Stones and Fabian Delph will be in the running for the Carabao Cup final.
All four missed the mid-week win of the Champions League on Schalke. Mendy and Delph were no longer present since the January semifinal win at Burton Albion.
Guardiola explained that the foursome was recovering well but said it would decide on Saturday afternoon if any of them will be fit to face Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday.
"Today, we were gone," he said. "We have not trained, so tomorrow we will see.
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"The information we've had from doctors says they're improving but for the moment, I can not tell you."
Regarding Delph, he explained: "He was injured several times during the period – even though it was not a big problem – and in the last few days he was sick.
"The recovery has not been good and that is the reason why. The other reason is that I trust Oleks Zinchenko in this position. "
Guardiola also explained that he had not yet chosen the goalkeeper, as Aro Muric had already appeared in previous rounds of the competition.
"We'll see," he continued. "Muric is unbelievable on penalties, which is why we trust him and he is the second goalkeeper in City."
Characteristics
While the Blues were looking to retain the League Cup, Guardiola also spoke of the boost of winning a trophy in February, in anticipation of the game – as was the case last season.
The Catalan boss has also warned against a violent reaction to Chelsea, following the 6-0 victory of the Champions at Etihad Stadium earlier this month.
"It was really important [to win the Carabao Cup], Did he declare. "In the Premier League, we were flying in that period, but the days before we left the FA Cup in Wigan.
"This is not the most important title, but here we are, at Wembley, a magical stadium against a high-level team in Chelsea.
"At the moment, I was so happy but today, I would have liked that we did not beat them 6-0!
"I do not like playing against a team in a short time, having beaten them. They are professional players and they will go further.
Strong points
"When we lost 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, we could not accept defeat at home. We will prepare as much as possible.
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Guardiola's gold medal at the Carabao Cup: Among the countless qualities demonstrated by Pep Guardiola during his tenure at City, overseeing a second successive run for the Carabao Cup final confirmed he deserved also honors to exploit his own gold blend in the League Cup.
"We will prepare to win, try to enjoy and participate well. We have to play a good game to win. "
Guardiola also sent greetings to injured City fans in Germany after Wednesday's Champions League victory at Schalke.
"We knew the next day would be terrible news for the family," he said.
"The game was spectacular, but unfortunately it happened and our thoughts and wishes are with us all.
"It's difficult and hopefully the police can fix the problem and it will recover as quickly as possible."
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