Raheem Sterling May Miss Carabao Cup Final, Gabriel Jesus Could Return

Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling is a doubt to face Arsenal in Sunday's Carabao Cup final at Wembley after suffering a muscle injury, but manager Pep Guardiola has suggested Gabriel Jesus could return. 

Ian Cheeseman provided quotes from Guardiola in Friday's press conference, and the tactician confirmed Sterling may miss the trip after sitting out the surprise 1-0 defeat to Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup on Monday:

There was some positive news for City fans, however, after Guardiola suggested Jesus may come back into the lineup after being absent through injury since December, per Goal's Sam Lee:

Sterling has been an essential component in City's attack this season and is enjoying by some margin his most prolific campaign to date with 20 goals in all competitions.

James Benge of the London Evening Standard also confirmed Gabriel Jesus is doubtful for the Wembley decider. Bernardo Silva could be the man to deputise on City's right flank if neither are available.

It's for potential absences such as this that City have invested so heavily in their squad in recent years, although BT Sport recently highlighted it's their starting stars who have impressed most:

Gabriel is yet to feature for the Citizens in 2018 and has been a missed figure after making a great start to his career at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola emphasised his importance to the team approaching their first cup final of the campaign, per Andy Hampson of the Press Association:

Winger Leroy Sane recently returned from injury faster than expected, while Sergio Aguero has been in lethal form of late, meaning the forward line is not bereft of options.

That being said, Sterling could be a particular miss given his prolific season thus far.