City rest key men for Wednesday's cup tie

Erling Haaland will not be involved in Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie. Nor will Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol, Elliot Anderson or Gianluigi Donnarumma. Enzo Maresca has confirmed that all five have been given time off in the wake of the defeat at Aston Villa.

The decision to grant them three days away from the club is a clear signal that the manager views the cup competition as an opportunity to rotate. With Matheus Nunes still sidelined through injury, City's squad depth will be tested.

Gerónimo Rulli has been confirmed as the starting goalkeeper for the tie. It is a chance for the Argentine to stake a claim, though Maresca has moved to ease any concerns about his first-choice keeper.

Maresca backs Donnarumma

Donnarumma has faced criticism in recent weeks, including for his role in Nicolas Jackson's second goal at Villa Park. But Maresca has publicly backed the Italian, insisting he has performed well since arriving at the club and that mistakes are inevitable over a demanding season.

Maresca said Donnarumma has performed well since arriving at City and stressed that mistakes are inevitable during a demanding season.

That is a sensible stance. Goalkeepers at big clubs live under a microscope, and a three-day break may do as much for the head as for the legs.

Scouts cast eye over Tresoldi

City's recruitment team, meanwhile, have been busy. Representatives were reportedly in Belgium to watch Club Brugge striker Nicolò Tresoldi. The 22-year-old responded with a hat-trick.

Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle also had eyes on the match. There is no suggestion City have opened talks over a move for Tresoldi, but the interest is noted.

Echeverri's future on hold

Elsewhere, Claudio Echeverri's future has been discussed. Benfica boss Marco Silva has responded to the possibility of making the midfielder's loan move permanent. Benfica have an option to buy the 20-year-old, but Silva says there is no need for an early decision as Echeverri continues to settle in Portugal.

Sheikh Mansour invests again

Off the pitch, Sheikh Mansour has invested another £100m into City's parent company, City Football Group. Companies House filings show more than 11 million new shares were allotted earlier this month.

It is a familiar show of financial backing. City's history against Brighton in this competition includes a memorable League Cup penalty shootout victory for the Seagulls in 2008, while the Blues enjoyed a 1-0 FA Cup semi-final win at Wembley in 2019.