Pep Guardiola concerned about injuries ahead of UEFA Champions League encounter

Pep Guardiola came to the pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Sparta Prague. When asked about the return of key midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, Pep Guardiola said, “I couldn’t not tell you.” 

The former Bayern Munich manager added that, “It's not a big issue but he doesn't feel completely fine and Kevin is not 22 years old any more,” he added. “He has to be fit completely for his football. If he doesn't feel comfortable, he cannot express his potential. That's why he doesn't feel. He still doesn't feel good so take your time. He has to be [100% ready].”

The City manager disclosed that Walker was knocked during the most recent round of international competitions. Like De Bruyne, Guardiola stated he is unsure about Walker's return date. The defender was absent from last weekend's victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. 
While Nathan Ake's return last time out gave City a boost, Walker and De Bruyne joined Rodri as well as Oscar Bobb upon the sidelines.

After missing the trip to Wolves, Walker is not likely to participate against Sparta Prague after returning to Manchester suffering a knee injury after playing 90 minutes versus Finland during the international break. The former FC Barcelona manager said, “Kyle as well is not ready. He didn't come back well from the national team. [It’s a] knee problem.”

Manchester City look to sign Xabi Alonso as Pep Guardiola’s replacement

According to sources, Manchester City has "concrete interest" in hiring Xabi Alonso, the manager of Bayer Leverkusen, in the event that Pep Guardiola departs in 2025. At Leverkusen, Alonso is performing admirably. After eight games, he took charge in October 2022, when the team was ranked 17th in the Bundesliga. In the German top division, he guided them to sixth place, earning them a spot in the Europa League.

With an undefeated domestic record and the Bundesliga and German Cup titles, Alonso's first full campaign at the BayArena was the most successful in the team's history. Leverkusen also advanced to the Europa League final, where they suffered their lone loss of the season, 3-0, to Atalanta of Italy.