Ruben Amorim says Matthijs de Ligt may not play but Kobbie Mainoo is back ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.
Amorim was speaking at the pre-match press conference and was asked about fitness issues and replied:
“Kobbie is returning to training so we will see and assess him. Of course, he cannot start the game. Matthijs has an issue, something during the (Forest) & game we have to assess.”
Quizzed on the progress of Alejandro Garnacho, he responded:
“I think he is doing the right things. Like any player in our team, he has to choose better in the last third. Bruno [Fernandes] is the only one scoring goals easily. Garnacho needs to improve the way he runs, the way he defends, scores and assists. He is improving.
“Garnacho is improving in the way he defends. Of course he needs to improve his goals and assists.”
The boss was also asked to comment on the announcement that Kevin de Bruyne is set to leave Manchester City and the Premier League.
“He was one of the best midfielders in the Premier League,” he replied. “The time passes for everyone, it’s a natural. He improved the league. He was on the wrong side of Manchester! It was a pleasure to see him in Portugal a lot of times. I hope he enjoys the rest of his life.”
Staying on Sunday’s opponents, Amorim was asked whether he thinks City are over their problems.
“I am more focused on our problems,” he said. “I think we have bigger problems than Manchester City. They had problems in that run. They have improved. They have maybe the best coach in the world. They have top players. It will be a difficult match. I am so focused on improving my team, I am not focused on City’s improvements.”
More to follow …
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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