Enzo Maresca does not believe Marc Guehi needs a break, despite the Manchester City defender making several errors in recent weeks. Guehi has been at fault for four goals conceded in matches against PSG, Ipswich and Aston Villa over the past fortnight, but he could still start against Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Fitness concerns and a long season
City have had concerns over Guehi's fitness given his long season last year with Crystal Palace, City and England. Reaching the third-place play-off at the World Cup meant the centre-back had little pre-season with City before being thrown straight into matches.
Guehi started the season well under Maresca, including being trusted in defensive midfield in one game, but errors have crept into his last few matches and he was withdrawn at half-time at Villa Park on Saturday.
Defensive options limited
Maresca did not include Guehi in a list of five players allowed to miss the Carabao Cup game. With Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol among those rested, City are short of defensive options, so Guehi could play again. Maresca is confident the player has the legs and mindset to return to action immediately.
"Especially in this moment, I am completely happy with Marc, because in the way he reacts it is fantastic, he is a top guy. He is one of the captains, he is a leader and I love Marc, to be honest," said Maresca. "Same as Gigio, when they make some mistakes it is recognised. Marc is aware now but he has played all the minutes since the start of the season with us and the international team. In the last two weeks he didn't play the Champions League, 45 minutes the other day and so he is completely OK."
