The new recruits of Manchester City, Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush, are all available to face Chelsea on Saturday, manager Pep Guardiola declaring “that they will make us strong”.
The disappointing season of City took another turn in the middle of the week when after an advance of 2-0 in Paris, they were heavily beaten by PSG, leaving doubt about their chances of progression in the Champions League.
However, they were occupied on the market, by signing the defenders Reis and Khusanov and the striker Marmoush for combined fees of 128 million pounds sterling.
Confirming that they could all be included on Saturday, Guardiola said: “Vitor is young, he has a huge personality, he needs time. If he is with us here, of course, he can start.
PEP 💬 (on Omar Marmoush) [He adds an] Exceptional quality to the team… A future player for years with quality in the last third. That’s why [the Club signed him]. pic.twitter.com/djn3ux9gow
-Manchester City (@Mancity) January 24, 2025
“Khusanov is already happy with the fact that he played in the French championship, manipulating tough, fast and fast players. But he does not speak much English so communication will be one of the situations that we will have to face.
“Marmoush, I think it will adapt quickly.
“They will make us strong and I am almost sure that the club has chosen these potential players for the future and many years.”
Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku will both be absent against Chelsea.
Dias must have been replaced at halftime on Wednesday defeat in the Champions League against Paris St-Germain.
Guardiola said Dias suffered from an injury to adductors and did not know when he was able to come back.
Despite a mediocre first half of the season, Guardiola is confident to qualify again for the Champions League next season.
He said, “We can get there. Why should I think differently?
“We will get there. I think it will happen. I am very very positive.
