‘I’m fit again!’ – Guardiola says nervy victory over Forest helped shed Christmas weight
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City are believed to be closing in on a full agreement to sign Semenyo, with negotiations accelerating over the past 24 hours and now said to be at an advanced stage.
However, Guardiola refused to be drawn on either situation when questioned ahead of his side’s trip to face Sunderland on New Year’s Day.
“What is going to happen is going to happen,” the City boss said. “I don’t have any news. The winter transfer window is completely closed right now.”
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Frustrated Amorim says there are ‘no excuses’ after Wolves draw
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The Cherries travel to Arsenal on January 3, after the transfer window opens, but Iraola revealed after the game at Stamford Bridge that he anticipates the forward will still be part of his plans in the meantime.
“Antoine is performing very well, and I’m expecting him to be available also in the next game for us too,” Iraola said.
“I hope he continues playing the same way. There is a lot of noise around him, but my worry as a coach is that he can keep up the performance level he is having.”
Semenyo was seen waving towards the away supporters at full-time, but Iraola added: “It’s not his last game here with us. I cannot say 100% but I think he will play (against Arsenal).
“He has to recover, we’ve played two difficult games in three days. We have Arsenal at home, we get ready for another one, a demanding game against the leaders. Definitely he’s going to be an important player for us.”
Rodri could make return
Guardiola has revealed that Rodri could make his return from injury with a brief appearance in City’s trip to Sunderland, which marks the start of 2026.
The midfielder may be handed “a few minutes” at the Stadium of Light while Jeremy Doku is also in contention to feature, but City will remain without defender John Stones and Bobb.
Providing a fitness update ahead of the game, Guardiola said: “Rodri has come back, maybe he can play a few minutes. Doku maybe. John and Oscar, no.”
“We faced them a few weeks ago,” Guardiola continued. “They have had an incredible season.
“After being promoted you can continue with the same group or do what they have done – 14 new players – and it is not easy to adapt and Regis (Le Bris) has done it really well.
“Tomorrow is the last game of the first leg, without playing against Chelsea. Being in that position speaks for itself. They are tough, I remember the first season I went there (the Stadium of Light), the crowd was unbelievable.
“They beat Newcastle and Aston Villa, Arsenal couldn’t win there.”
