Pep Guardiola says Ukraine defender Oleksandr Zinchenko will play Manchester City in their FA Cup fifth round match in Peterborough on Tuesday.
In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Zinchenko was an unused substitute for City’s win against Everton on Saturday.
The 25-year-old took part in an anti-war surveillance in Manchester city center after the attack and has since sent a deleted social media message that slammed Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zinchenko was moved to tears by a show of support for Ukraine from Everton fans during City’s Premier League game at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Although the left-back did not play on that occasion, Guardiola revealed on Monday that he is in the right mind to make a comeback when City visit championship-struggling Peterborough.
“I think it would be good for him to play and give reasons why he is here,” he said. He’s a great player and he needs to play football,” Guardiola said.
Zinchenko has added his voice to calls for Russia to be taken out of the international game.
He shared a statement on Instagram calling on governing bodies to ban Russia and its athletes from international competitions, and to ban the country from media and sponsorships.
City head Peterborough after being six points clear at the top of the Premier League with a controversial 1-0 win at Everton.
Phil Foden’s goal in the 82nd minute proved decisive, but Everton felt they should have been awarded a late penalty for the handball against Rodri.
The incident was reviewed by VAR, but referee Paul Tierney’s original decision stood.
Even Guardiola admitted City are lucky and added: “Dele Alli’s pass looks offside, but Richardson, if he’s not offside it’s a penalty.”
Guardiola, whose team was beaten by Tottenham in the previous outing, urged his players to rebuild their momentum with another win against Peterborough.
“It’s a game. If we lose the next game, the momentum runs out.”
“Goodison Park was difficult for us all the time. The celebrations were extraordinary because we knew how difficult it was, a good example of what we will face in the last 11 matches of the Premier League.
“Every game will be pretty much the same. We have to suffer and struggle and we are capable of facing it.”
There was also a managerial departure in the top flight over the weekend with Marcelo Bielsa, a longtime role model for Guardiola sacked by Leeds.
“I am very sorry for him. He has a legacy at Leeds City and the club, and I’m quite sure with the players. His influence is massive,” said Guardiola.
“Unfortunately all managers are subject to consequences, and maybe they weren’t good, but the games played in three or four seasons at Leeds were fantastic to watch and I wish them all the best in the future.”
read all breaking news, today’s fresh news And Assembly Election Live Updates Here.