Maresca rests Haaland and four other regulars for League Cup tie with Brighton
Manchester City will face Brighton in the League Cup on Wednesday without Erling Haaland, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol and Elliot Anderson, who were given three days off.
Symbolic image · Photo: Arne Müseler, cropped by Blackcat / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 de (cropped and resized)
Manchester City will be without five regulars when they host Brighton & Hove Albion in the League Cup fourth round on Wednesday. Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that Erling Haaland, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol and Elliot Anderson were given three days off after the 2-1 Premier League loss at Aston Villa. “After Villa, we gave five players three days off,” Maresca said. Kickoff at the Etihad Stadium is 7:30 p.m. local time.
Gerónimo Rulli will start in goal. “He's good,” Maresca said. The Italian added that the tight schedule forces changes: “In terms of how we plan, they are so close so we need to make some changes.” He said the final lineup would be decided after one more training session. The club's update did not mention any injuries. Rulli stands in for the rested first-choice goalkeeper Donnarumma.
Maresca also warned about Brighton, coached by German Fabian Hürzeler. “They are doing very well,” he said. “They create so many chances. We need to do the right things offensively and defensively.” The winner advances to the quarterfinals. The two sides meet again in the Premier League on Saturday.