London (AFP) – Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has handed Pep Guardiola a boost after declaring himself fit for Saturday’s highly anticipated derby against Manchester United.
Sagna has missed City’s last three matches after suffering a hamstring injury, but the French right-back hopes to regain his place in Guardiola’s side for the Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
The 33-year-old’s presence increases Guardiola’s options as the City manager again locks horns with his old rival Jose Mourinho.
“I feel good. I had to rest a bit because I had a little tear on one of my hamstrings,” Sagna told City TV on Wednesday.
“I had a long season last year, so I need to take care of my body, but today I feel great. I am looking forward to Saturday.
“I am going to be giving my maximum in the training sessions to feel as fit as possible, then the manager might have to make some choices.”
Sagna is one of a number of City players likely to be back in contention this weekend, with captain Vincent Kompany and midfielders Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane all returning to full training.
None of the trio have featured so far this season, with pre-season signings Gundogan and Sane awaiting their debuts.
Guardiola must also decide whether to give Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo his City debut following his move from Barcelona last month.
Willy Caballero has been City’s goalkeeper for all but one match this season after Guardiola decided to ditch previous first choice Joe Hart, who joined Torino on loan.
Both City and United have won all three of their league matches, with Guardiola’s team top of the table and Mourinho’s men in third place.
