Fernandinho says Manchester City's youngsters are ready to step up in the final few games of the season to help the team through their injury crisis.
Ruben Dias became the latest defender to see his season ended when he was forced off at half-time of their Premier League win over Newcastle on Sunday. With John Stones and Kyle Walker also ruled out for the next three games, Pep Guardiola has only four senior defenders (including natural left winger Oleksandr Zinchenko) to see out the remainder of the campaign.
Fernandinho came on for Dias against Newcastle to play in the role he was asked to frequent during the 2019/20 season and he ended the match next to teenage right-back CJ Egan-Riley, on for his Premier League debut. Luke Mbete, who has played with Egan-Riley this season with the Under-23s, was on the bench again and has played in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Champions League this season.
Also read: Three ways Man City can line up without Dias, Stones and Walker
As well as playing however many minutes Guardiola asks of him and handling the dressing room, Fernandinho's position as club captain also means he must ensure academy players that step up to the first team environment every week are made to feel welcome. The veteran Brazilian knows more than most what can be expected of them.
Despite the injury issues City have, Fernandinho thinks that their young players can help guide them through it and towards a fourth Premier League title in five years.
"We have some injury issues now and at the end of the season that is normal. It is a pleasure for me to see some of the young lads coming in and playing because they have an opportunity to play with us during the season and we know what they are capable of," he said.
"They show every day in every session that they can play for Manchester City first team and CJ got his opportunity to play a few minutes and I’m delighted for him and wish him all the best for his football career.
"I’m there in the good moments and I’m there in the bad moments. Nothing changed, we are a group of people trying to go in the same direction and trying to get the best results we can."
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