Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admits players’ recovery from coronavirus is a lottery

Pep Guardiola has admitted Manchester City are heading into the unknown after a wave of coronavirus cases.

Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus will both be involved in Sunday’s FA Cup fixture with Birmingham City following their isolation, with City also close to welcoming full-back Ederson and winger Ferran Torres.

But Guardiola admitted he couldn’t predict how those affected would react to the virus and revealed that Ilkay Gundogan took weeks to regain his form earlier in the season.

Pep Guardiola admitted his uncertainty over how players will recover from coronavirus

Gabriel Jesus (left) and Kyle Walker (center) will play in the FA Cup game on Sunday after isolating themselves

“We’re a little worried about this and we have to be careful,” Guardiola said.

Some players are reacting well, but for example Gundo struggled a little after what happened this summer.

“The doctor doesn’t know how the bodies will react to Covid. It’s great news for them to join the team, but we have to talk with them, with the doctors, with the physiotherapists.

“And we have to see how they react after a workout, and the next day. It is on a case by case basis with each player ”.

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Sergio Aguero is set to start for the first time since October on Sunday as Guardiola continues to manage the striker’s minutes.

“It would be great to have him in good shape and in the best conditions,” added Guardiola.

“He’s upbeat and positive, he said he would have a good season -” I’ll score a lot of goals “- and that’s most important. We don’t want to put him under pressure.