Manuel Pellegrini doesn’t believe a grueling Carabao Cup final will have an impact on Manchester City when he takes West Ham to the champions.
The Citizens had to come through 120 minutes and a penalty shootout to emerge triumphant against Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s side also lost Fernandinho and Aymeric Laporte to injuries, with both facing a spell on the sidelines.
But Hammers boss Pellegrini knows his side still face a daunting task against his former club.
“As a manager, if you can have all the players, then you choose the best ones you have, that is the best way,” he said.
“But two or three injuries for them will not change their squad. We have played with eight or nine injuries all season so it won’t be a factor.”
Pellegrini will be returning to the Etihad Stadium for the first time as an opposition manager.
The Chilean was dubbed ‘This Charming Man’ by City fans after leading them to the title in 2014. “It was three beautiful years, especially when we won the Premier League, we had a very successful season,” Pellegrini added.
“Not only because we won that, but it was the team that scored the most goals in history. “The second year was a little more difficult, finishing second.
The third season we won the League Cup, were in the semi-finals of the Champions League, so for three years I was very happy. “The fans enjoyed the football we played. I have only good memories.”
Manuel Lanzini is set for a place on the bench again on Wednesday night after Pellegrini vowed not to rush him back from injury.
The midfielder impressed on his comeback from a torn ACL, suffered on Argentina duty prior to the World Cup, as a late substitute against Fulham last Friday.
“We must be careful with him,” said Pellegrini. “He played 15 minutes and did very well.
“The important thing is he is not afraid of playing or worried about his knee so we will try to give him more minutes in every game.
“He is fine but we must be careful with the way we improve his minutes to avoid a muscle injury.”
