Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho will be “100%” fit for this week’s meeting with Manchester United – a game he terms “decisive” for Champions League qualification
The North West pair are currently battling for a place in the Premier League’s top four spots, as Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho eye Champions League qualification from their debut seasons with City and United, respectively.
United are currently one point behind their local rivals, having played 32 games apiece, with a crucial derby at the Etihad Stadium to come on Thursday.
Though City have that slender lead, they are certainly in the poorer mood of the clubs, having suffered an FA Cup semi-final loss to Arsenal this weekend.
Fernandinho was substituted through injury in the 99th minute of that Wembley defeat, but is confident of returning before the derby.
As reported by City’s official website, the Brazil international said: “I believe I can recover very well by Thursday and should be 100% for the game.
“It’s a decisive game, they are behind us by one point and they won their game today on Sunday. We are fighting for a place in the Champions League.
“I believe it will be a similar game to [the Arsenal clash], with high intensity, with both teams trying their best to win the game and I hope we will have more luck this time.”