Guardiola says he is unlikely to hand a start to the Chile international.
Bravo may have to wait for his Premier League debut
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says new signing Claudio Bravo will not be rushed into making his Premier League debut, TalkSport has reported.
Bravo completed a £13.75 million move from Barcelona this week, and was widely expected to slot straight into the side for the home game with West Ham United on Sunday.
However, while insisting the Chile international was not suffering from any fitness issues, Guardiola has apparently ruled out the prospect of handing him a start this weekend.
It means that Willy Caballero is likely to be called upon again, with Guardiola preferring the Argentine to number one Joe Hart, whose future at the Etihad looks increasingly uncertain.
According to TalkSport, Guardiola said: “He’s [Bravo] fit but he’s not going to play this weekend.
“He’s a goalkeeper with a lot of experience in Spain and with the [Chile] national team. His experience, to anticipate situations not in the box and in front of the box, being good in the build-up plays and quick under the posts – he is a good player for us.”
Guardiola added that the club would look to find a solution with Hart, despite potential suitors Everton and Sevilla reportedly cooling their interest.
The 29-year-old, whose place in the England squad could also be under threat, appeared to to say goodbye to the home faithful after City’s Champions League play-off second-leg against Steaua Bucharest on Wednesday, and Guardiola says the next move will be carefully considered.
He continued: “We want the best for him and of course the club is going to help him get the best solution for him. If the transfer window is closed and he is here, he has to stay here, he will be treated like another one. I will try to be fair with him.”
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