Manchester City are preparing for a crucial Club World Cup showdown against Juventus with concerns over squad fitness and disciplinary setbacks.
Pep Guardiola has provided updates on key players Claudio Echeverri and Rodri. Softfootball gathered that Guardiola has addressed Rico Lewis’s suspension, all while managing intense weather conditions in Orlando. Guardiola confirmed he’ll be out for up to three weeks, likely missing the rest of the tournament.
Echeverri, who had recently marked his first goal for the club with a stunning free-kick in City’s 6-0 thrashing of Al-Ain, is now sidelined. The 19-year-old forward was subbed off at halftime due to a twisted ankle and later seen on crutches wearing a protective boot.
Man City look to rotate their squad due to player fatigue and rising heat, Guardiola noted that the lineup against Juventus will include several changes and emphasized the need to manage the rhythm of play, stating that the conditions in Orlando make it impossible to maintain a high tempo for a full 90 minutes.
Meanwhile, Softfootball reported earlier that the fitness of Rodri remains under watch. The Spanish midfielder, recovering from an ACL injury suffered last September, has been gradually reintegrated into the squad. Guardiola hinted that Rodri will once again be used as a substitute against Juventus, citing the high humidity and temperature as limiting factors.
Despite the difficult conditions, Guardiola highlighted improvements in team performance between the two group fixtures, attributing the rise in tempo to better weather management. Still, he stressed that the team would need to continue adapting as they progress further into the competition.