Manchester City host Brighton and Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium tonight in the Carabao Cup, the first of a double-header between the sides, with several first-team players unavailable and one long-term absentee.
Five players rested for Brighton clash
Gianluigi Donnarumma, Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Elliot Anderson and Erling Haaland have all been given a three-day holiday by Enzo Maresca following the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
"They are all on holiday," Maresca confirmed during Tuesday's press conference. "Three days off, energy, go, come back full of energy and then go again."
Nunes and Ndiaye fitness updates
Matheus Nunes is battling a groin problem. Maresca said on Saturday there was a chance the full-back could be fit to face Brighton, and hinted at the injury again on Tuesday while answering a question about Rico Lewis. His potential return date is October 28 against Brighton.
Iliman Ndiaye was substituted in the second half against Villa after appearing to struggle, but Maresca confirmed the forward was only suffering from cramp. The former Everton player should be in the squad for the Brighton match.
O'Reilly and Kovacic in contention
Nico O'Reilly has recovered from a back issue and returned to the squad on Saturday as an unused substitute against Villa. Maresca praised the player for being 'fantastic' when he is on his feet.
Mateo Kovacic is back on the bench after an unknown issue picked up against Ipswich Town and could start against Brighton if fully fit.
Semenyo out until December
Antoine Semenyo is City's only long-term concern with a leg injury. Maresca confirmed last week the forward will be sidelined until December.
"In the first moment we expect an even worse injury," he said, "so we were more worried but after the scan we are less worried. It could be eight weeks. Now the most important thing is to recover it. When he is back, around December, we have a new player. It's not muscular."
