Pep Guardiola Talks Manchester City Injuries, Title Race Ahead of West Ham Clash

Manchester City could be without four first-team players for their match with West Ham United on Wednesday, but Benjamin Mendy could be set to return after recovering from knee surgery.

Speaking ahead of the clash, manager Pep Guardiola offered updates on John Stones, Gabriel Jesus, Fernandinho and Aymeric Laporte:

The quartet had not been present in training on Tuesday, according to Premier League reporter Ian Irving:

However, on Mendy—who has played just once since November—Guardiola said he is "better, he has trained for the last few days, and the reaction has been good. He could be fit."

The Frenchman has made just 20 appearances for City since his arrival in the summer of 2017, having missed most of his first season at the club with a cruciate ligament injury.

Having him back would be a welcome boost for the Sky Blues, who have had to play without a recognised left-back in that position during his absence, particularly with Laporte out.

City picked up the first major honour of the season on Sunday when they beat Chelsea on penalties to lift the Carabao Cup, but Guardiola isn't resting on his laurels.

Per Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News, he wants to see his side show their hunger to win the Premier League title against West Ham:

Liverpool are one point ahead of City with 11 matches remaining.

After their 0-0 draw with Manchester United on Sunday, the Reds have failed to win three of their last four matches, while City have won their last three since losing to Newcastle United in January.

And the Sky Blues are imperious at the Etihad Stadium, having won 13 of their 14 matches in the league there this season.