Manchester City’s new signings Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush are all available to face Chelsea on Saturday with manager Pep Guardiola saying ‘they will make us strong.’
City’s disappointing season took another turn in midweek when after going 2-0 up in Paris they were soundly beaten by PSG to leave their chances of Champions League progress in doubt.
They have been busy in the market though, signing defenders Reis and Khusanov and forward Marmoush for combined fees of £128m.
Confirming they could all feature on Saturday, Guardiola said: “Vitor is young, he has a huge personality, he needs time. If he’s here with us, of course he can start.
PEP 💬 (On Omar Marmoush) [He adds an] exceptional quality to the team… a future player for years with quality in the final third. That's why [the Club signed him]. pic.twitter.com/DjN3uX9GOW
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 24, 2025
“Khusanov has already with for the fact that he played in the French league, handling tough, quick, fast players. But he doesn’t speak much English so communication will be one of the situations that we have to deal with.
“Marmoush, I think he will adapt quick.
“They will make us strong and I’m pretty sure that the club decided for these prospective players for the future and many years.”
Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku will both miss out against Chelsea, though.
Dias had to be replaced at half-time of Wednesday’s Champions League defeat by Paris St-Germain.
Guardiola said Dias has an adductor injury and wasn’t sure when he would be fit to return.
Despite the poor first half of the season Guardiola is confident of qualifying for the the Champions League again next season.
He said: “We can make it. Why should I think differently?
“We’re going to make it. I think it is going to happen. I am very very positive.”
