Pep Guardiola has been handed a boost ahead of Manchester City’s difficult Champions League tie at Shakhtar Donetsk after home manager Paulo Fonseca confirmed two key players are out and another is a doubt.
Shakhtar have a reputation for giving talented Brazilian players their first taste of European football – City midfielder Fernandinho was signed from the Ukrainian side – but they will be without two of their current South American contingent tonight.
Midfielders Taison and Marlos have eight goals between them this season, but neither will be available to Fonseca for the visit of City.
Another of the club’s Brazilian players – left-back Ismaily – is a doubt according to Fonseca, who said: “Yes, he is doubtful. It’s been such a tough time for us that even my assistant got injured.”
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All three players featured for Shakhtar against City last season, with Ismaily scoring the winner in their home fixture in a result that ended City’s 29-game unbeaten streak.
Despite his injury concerns, Fonseca has vowed not to change his attack-minded approach to contain City.
“I like my teams to play well,” he said.
“We have to have the courage to play well all the time, and in the same way whoever the opponents.
“It doesn’t matter if I play against City or another team – my team has to have the courage. I will die with this philosophy.”
Fonseca also took aim at other Premier League sides as he accused rival English managers of accepting defeat when City come to town.
“I have watched many City games in England and many teams have a problem with them,” he added.
“Because it’s against City they don’t try [to win]. I say all the time to my players that at least we have to try.
“Against these teams my players are fully motivated. They want to show how good they are.
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