Man City handed injury boost but defender ruled out of FA Cup final vs Watford

Manchester City will look to complete the domestic treble when they take on Watford in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday evening.

The Citizens head into the game as the heavy 1.23 odds-on favourites with MustardBet so Watford have a tough task ahead as they try to win the FA Cup for the first time in the clubs history.

Pep Guardiola spoke to the media at his pre-match press conference this afternoon and he’s provided a team news and injury update including the latest on the fitness of Benjamin Mendy and Fernandinho.

The Catalan boss confirmed a blow with the news that Mendy will be forced to miss tomorrow’s showpiece event at Wembley as the French international is still carrying a knee injury that’s hampered him for much of the campaign.

Mendy has only made three appearances for City since suffering the knee ligament injury back in November 2018 and Guardiola has revealed the left-back is now focussed on getting himself fit for next season.

However, there was better news on Fernandinho as the midfielder could be back in contention after returning to training on Thursday having missed the last three games of the Premier League season with a knee problem.

Guardiola told ManCity.com:

“Benjamin Mendy has not been selected because he’s not fit. He will be ready next season, but he is not available for the final.

“Fernandinho trained today and yesterday.”

The only other injury concern for Guardiola is Claudio Bravo with the goalkeeper missing much of the season with an Achilles injury so City have a strong squad available for the cup final this weekend.

As for Watford, they also have virtually a fully-fit squad to choose from as Domingos Quina is the only player certain to miss out as he recovers from a dislocated shoulder.

Seb Prodl has been back in training recently after carrying a knee injury but it remains to be seen whether the centre-back will be passed fit to face Man City on Saturday evening.

Javi Garcia will be desperate for Prodl to be available as the Watford boss tries to overcome a formidable City side. You can back the Hornets to lift the cup at Wembley at huge odds of 12.86 with MustardBet.