Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Oleksandr Zinchenko is 'ready to play' in Saturday's Premier League game at Everton, despite Russia's invasion of his native Ukraine.
Over the last 24 hours, Ukraine has been under attack from Russia, after president Vladimir Putin ordered troops to invade their Eastern European neighbours.
Zinchenko, born in the western city of Radomyshl, has spoken openly about his concerns in Ukraine and stated on Instagram that he hopes Putin suffers 'the most painful suffering death', before his post was deleted by the social network service.
The 23-year-old left-back trained with the first-team on Thursday, before attending a demonstration in Manchester City centre later that evening to protest against Russia's invasion.
Speaking to the press ahead of Man City's game at Goodison Park, Guardiola revealed that Zinchenko is in contention to play this weekend and believes he has been "incredibly strong" during these difficult times.
"[Zinchenko] is worried, what we feel for 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," Guardiola told reporters.
"Of course he has our support. We have people living every day together, it can happen in the country he was born, he loves, it's attacked from outside. He's tough and knows we are here."
When asked whether Zinchenko is in the right frame of mind to play on Saturday, Guardiola added: "We spoke about all of this. I spoke with him, everyone, the friends.
"They are the headlines all around the world, it's a concern. Aleks 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 in case he has to play."
Zinchenko has made 15 appearances for the Citizens across all competitions this term, though he has only started once since the turn of the year, playing the full 90 minutes in the 4-0 win at Norwich City.
Guardiola has also revealed that Jack Grealish and Gabriel Jesus are both available to play this weekend, after recovering from respective shin and muscle injuries.
Oliver Thomas
