Guardiola handed boost as Rodri will return against a "tough" Sunderland side this week

Guardiola

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has spoken to the media as his side prepare to face Sunderland.

City have won nine games on the bounce in all competitions since their defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in late November.

This is the longest winning sequence since claiming nine at the end of the 2023-24 season and Guardiola will be hoping to continue it against the Black Cats who are on a nine-match unbeaten run at the Stadium of Light.

Guardiola firstly spoke on this week’ opponents and admitted the newly promoted side will be a tough test.

“They are tough, I remember the first season I went there the crowd was unbelievable. They beat Newcastle and Aston Villa, Arsenal couldn't win.

“We faced them a few weeks ago. They have had an incredible season.

“After being promoted you can continue with the same group or do what they have done - 14 new players - and it is not easy to adapt and Regis (Le Bris) has done it really well.

“Tomorrow is the last game of the first leg, without playing against Chelsea. Being in that position speaks for itself.”

He then brushed off a question on Antoine Semenyo and Oscar Bobb and the suggestion that the Bournemouth star may replace him: The transfer window is completely closed right now.

As Guardiola prepares to welcome Semenyo over the coming weeks, Guardiola touched upon his current squad and revealed that Rodri may return against Sunderland in what would be a huge boost in City's title race.

“Rodri has come back. Maybe he can play a few minutes. We need it desperately. "Jeremy) Doku maybe. John (Stones) and Oscar (Bobb) no,

“We had seven or eight injured players and two at the AFCON,” Pep pointed out.

“Five players injured are coming back a little bit, so in terms of squad we are not in our best right now but in terms of points we are better than last season.”

Finally, he was asked if the title race is a two horse race between City and league leaders Arsenal, who are currently five points clear at the top.

"A few weeks ago it was just Arsenal, two days ago it was three and now two so we will see."