Pep Guardiola confirms 19-year-old in line to start for Manchester City against Plymouth Argyle | OneFootball

Manchester City supporters could be set for another outing for highly-rated Brazilian centre-back Vitor Reis in the FA Cup this weekend, according to Pep Guardiola.

The teenage defender arrived from Brazilian giants Palmeiras in the January transfer window as part of a mammoth spend from club officials to begin their 2025 squad overhaul, and also get their current season back on track.

Since signing for the club on a long-term deal, Reis has managed to make just the one appearance due to the magnitude of the run of fixtures for Pep Guardiola’s side, starting in a challenging FA Cup fourth round clash with Leyton Orient.

During that outing at Brisbane Road, Reis showcased his exceptional ability at reading defensive scenarios, pace in transition towards his own goal, and an eye for a forward pass – all traits of the ideal Manchester City centre-back.

And having sat out of the last few matches across competitions, it seems as though a home debut could now be on the cards for Vitor Reis in the same competition that brought about his full debut for the club.

Speaking during his pre-match media duties from the City Football Academy on Friday afternoon, Pep Guardiola confirmed to reporters that Reis is in contention to start for Manchester City this weekend against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fifth round.

Offering insight into his early thoughts on the teenage defender, Guardiola said, “Really good, he’s so young, comes from Brazil, but he’s incredibly focussed.”

He continued, “There are central defenders with physicality and conditions, and the others are so clever and intelligent, and this is one of the ones.

“He hasn’t come to for a short period, it’s a long, long time, like Khusa [Abdukodir Khusanov], and we are really pleased for the way he’s training, behaving, and the potential that he has.”

It remains to be seen what this weekend will also bring for Abdukodir Khusanov, whose excellent performances for Manchester City across competitions in recent weeks have been recognised by a Player of the Month nomination at the club for February.

Pep Guardiola may deem the Uzbek star as a significant part of his defensive strategy for Premier League outings until the end of the season, and as such could warrant this weekend as an opportunity to rest the 21-year-old.