Gabriel Jesus could make surprise return to Manchester City team for EFL Cup final with Arsenal

Pep Guardiola said Jesus could feature while there are doubts over Raheem Sterling's inclusion in the team, who is struggling with a muscle injury

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Gabriel Jesus could make a surprise return for Manchester City’s EFL Cup final with Arsenal but manager Pep Guardiola is sweating on Raheem Sterling’s fitness.

Jesus has not featured since he suffered a knee ligament injury against Crystal Palace on New Year’s Eve. However, he has returned to training and Guardiola revealed the 20-year-old is in contention to face the Gunners at Wembley.

“We’ll see on Saturday, it is the third training session for Gabriel and every day is better,” he said. “He’s so important, when people say about four titles, you have to be everything going well, when your full-back is injured six months, it’s more difficult, without Gabriel it’s so difficult.

“Sergio has been incredible, but sometimes you need to be fresh. At Wigan we could have played two up front in the last minutes if Gabriel had been on the bench – now we have that chance with Gabriel.”

City have a doubt over England forward Sterling, who is struggling with a muscle injury. “He had a problem with muscle,” Guardiola added. “He had a problem against Basel. I don’t know if he’s ready for Sunday.”

Guardiola also confirmed that he will stick with Claudio Bravo in goal for the final having used him the Chilean the way through the competition ahead of first-choice goalkeeper Ederson.

“The fans have an opinion but I’m the manager,” Guardiola added. “You put all the fans in front of me and everyone has their opinion but we are here for the club.

“Wolves three one-on-ones, three penalties, he deserves to play in the final and he’s going to play. The locker room is important in the final and without him we would not be here, he’s going to play.”