Man City's Pep Guardiola faces late Rodri fitness call ahead of Palace clash

City are trying to keep pressure on league leaders Arsenal as the title race enters its final stretch, but Guardiola admitted he is still waiting to see if two important players will be ready to return.

Rodri has missed the last few matches after suffering a muscle injury during City's 2-1 victory over Arsenal last month, while Khusanov sat out the recent 3-0 win over Brentford after taking a heavy knock in the draw against Everton.

Speaking ahead of the Palace match, Guardiola said both players had improved but stopped short of confirming their availability.

"Better. We will see in training this afternoon," Guardiola said about Rodri.

On Khusanov, he added: "Better as well. He had a tough knock against Beto in the Everton game, but he is better."

The City manager insisted his squad is in a strong position despite the pressure building around the title race.

"No concerns, we arrive good in terms of the squad," he said.

Guardiola refused to be distracted by Arsenal's latest result and repeatedly stressed that his side must focus only on beating Palace.

"From my career as a manager, what you cannot control you forget about it," Guardiola explained.

"We are still fighting. Crystal Palace."

City also have one eye on the upcoming FA Cup final against Chelsea, with Guardiola admitting squad rotation could become important during a demanding run of fixtures.

"Playing every three days I have to think about it," he said.

Guardiola expects another difficult contest against Palace, praising manager Oliver Glasner and warning that their league position does not reflect the quality in the squad.

"They are a top team. They are tough to beat," Guardiola said.

"The quality is there. The patterns are there."

The Spaniard also backed Palace to remain competitive despite their upcoming European final, dismissing suggestions they could rest players later in the season.

"They are so professional," Guardiola said. "Palace will do their best."

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