Josko Gvardiol admitted he was surprised to be named in Manchester City's starting line-up for the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace, just hours before kick-off. The Croatian defender had been sidelined since January with a broken tibia, an injury that was expected to rule him out for the remainder of the season.
The 24-year-old lasted 58 minutes at left-back, impressing as City cruised to victory. Speaking after the match, Gvardiol said he only discovered he would start two to three hours before the game. 'To be fair I was surprised as well,' he told the club's official website. 'I didn't expect my name in the starting XI.'
Gvardiol acknowledged that his recovery has been challenging but said he accepted it as a new challenge. 'I’m feeling good actually. I wouldn’t say I’m at my 100 per cent. It’s normal, I need minutes and games,' he added. The defender also joked that scoring on his return would have been 'too unreal'.
Manager Pep Guardiola welcomed Gvardiol's return, noting his versatility and importance to the team. 'Last season, he was an important player for us, played all the games and then your body says enough is enough,' Guardiola said. 'Happy he is back. Hopefully he can help us in the last part of the season and make a good World Cup with Croatia.'
Guardiola also expressed hope that Gvardiol would sign a new contract, though he said he had no information on negotiations. Gvardiol's current deal runs until 2028.
