Pep Guardiola provides update on Zinchenko amid Russian invasion of Ukraine

June 29, 2021 Ukraine's Oleksandr Zinchenko celebrates scoring their first goal Pool via REUTERS

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says his Ukrainian international defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has been affected by the Russian invasion of his homeland but remains ready to play if called upon.

Zinchenko attended a vigil in the centre of Manchester on Thursday to protest against the invasion and Guardiola expressed support for his player.

"What would you do if someone abroad attacked the UK? It's how he feels," Guardiola said when asked at a news conference about Zinchenko's involvement in the protest.

"It's a worry, what we feel with our country where we were born. Killing innocent people, how would you feel? I guess that's how he feels.

"Of course it's close to him. Of course he has our support. It happen(ed) in the country he was born, he loves, it's attacked from outside. He's tough and knows we are here," added the Spaniard.

Guardiola said he and City players had discussed the situation with the 25-year-old wing back ahead of Saturday's Premier League game at Everton.

"We spoke (about) all of this, I spoke with him. Everyone, the friends. These are the headlines all around the world, it's a concern," he said.

"Oleks is incredibly strong, a really brilliant guy. Of course it's not easy but today and yesterday in training he was brilliant. He's ready to play incase he has to play."

Guardiola said that Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus and England midfielder Jack Grealish were both fit again and available for the trip to Goodison Park.