Manchester City have opted against handing Oleksandr Zinchenko a starting role against Everton tonight after the Ukrainian declared himself ready to play despite the Russian invasion of his homeland.
Pep Guardiola stated on Friday: “[Zinchenko] is concerned but he is an incredibly strong guy and it is not easy in the moment, but today in training like yesterday he was brilliant. He is ready to play in case he has to.”
However, the City boss has opted to name Zinchenko on the bench.
With Liverpool breathing down their necks, Guardiola needs a big reaction following last weekend’s dramatic loss to Tottenham and the sight of two such gifted forwards will likely concern Everton boss Frank Lampard after their recent defensive struggles.
Jack Grealish was close to making a return against Spurs after his shin problem and is fit for the trip to Goodison Park. Likewise, Gabriel Jesus is ready after suffering from a muscle injury. However, both have to settle for a place on the bench.
Riyad Mahrez is also among the substitutes, while John Stones starts alongside Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte.
Manchester City XI: Ederson, Stones, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo, Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Foden, Sterling.
Subs: Carson, Slicker, Walker, Ake, Jesus, Grealish, Zinchenko, Fernandinho, Mahrez
Date and time: Saturday February 26, 2022 at 5.30pm GMT
Venue: Goodison Park
