Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko will be available for his game at Everton on Saturday despite the Ukraine international’s concerns for his home country.
Zinchenko, 25, attended a protest in Manchester on Thursday night following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Pep says he and Man City back Oleksandr Zinchenko with Ukraine under military attack from Russia.
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“He’s worried,” manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday.
“How would we feel if our country where we were born, where we have family and friends was attacked, killing innocent people, how would you feel? So I guess that’s how he feels. Guardiola said the club back Zinchenko “unconditionally” as the English Premier League leader prepares to travel to Merseyside.
“Oleks is an amazing and strong guy. Of course it’s not easy right now but playing in training like yesterday he was brilliant so he’s ready to play in case he has to play. During Meanwhile, West Ham have granted compassionate leave to 32-year-old winger Andriy Yarmolenko, who is Ukraine’s second all-time top scorer.
“He’s not in a very good position at the moment,” manager David Moyes said on Friday.
“I spoke to him on the training ground on Thursday and he was upset, which you can imagine and rightly so. We just hope everything goes well and all his family members stay safe. West Ham host Wolverhampton on Sunday.
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