Man City starlets set for Champions League squad as Pep Guardiola urges Fernandinho to stay

Here are your Manchester City evening headlines for Tuesday, March 8.

Pep Guardiola is facing something of an injury crisis as his side prepare for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday. The City boss was always likely to make changes, given his side’s 5-0 lead from the first leg, although he may be forced into more than he first anticipated.

The Blues were already without Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake through injury, while Kyle Walker remains unavailable as he continues to serve his three-match ban. Joao Cancelo has now joined the list of absentees after being struck down with illness, and Kevin De Bruyne is unlikely to be risked with the Belgian just one booking away from a suspension.

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The lack of senior options for Guardiola means he will have to dip into the academy’s resources. Six youngsters were in the squad who trained ahead of Wednesday night’s clash, and will all be in contention to feature against Sporting.

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Fernandinho is one of those likely to feature in some way against Sporting on Wednesday. The midfielder will be more eager than most to finally get that elusive Champions League winner’s medal under his belt this season.

The Brazilian’s contract at the Etihad runs out at the end of the season, with many predicting this could be his final campaign with the club. He turns 37 in May, and no final decision has yet been made on his future.

However, Guardiola has made his feelings on Fernandinho's future clear. The City boss feels he has the attributes to be a top coach and is eager to see him extend his stay at the Etihad.

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