Pep Guardiola explains Tijjani Reijnders Bournemouth decision as triple Man City update issued

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The latest Manchester City breaking news as Pep Guardiola delivers a triple squad update ahead of a challenging fixture against Bournemouth

Tijjani Reijnders and Rodri have started on the bench for Manchester City's clash with Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.

When Pep Guardiola was quizzed on his decision to bench Reijnders, he told Sky Sports: "He is not completely fit. Yesterday was the first training session so I decided to start him on the bench and we will see what happens during the game."

On why Rodri is on the bench, Pep added: "It's the same case like Tijjani."

Reijnders has impressed since joining Man City this summer for £46.5m. The Dutchman scored on his debut and has grabbed three assists in his opening 16 games for the club.

The third change comes with Rayan Cherki, who makes his first start in the Premier League since Man City's 2-0 loss to Tottenham in late August.

Regarding the Frenchman returning to the starting XI, Pep stated: "His quality, everybody knows it but he has been injured. Hopefully he can give us the talent we need up front to win games."

If Man City are able to beat Bournemouth today, the Cherries will drop to third with Guardiola's team jumping up to second, six points away from Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Bournemouth have had an impressive start to the season, with Andoni Iraola's side having lost just one league game before facing Man City today.

When asked if facing the Cherries feels different this time around, Pep responded: "No, always they have been strong since Iraola is the manager. They are a really tough opponent and everybody knows it."

He continued: "Absolutely [victory is important]. That's what we are going to play for and we are ready for it."

Today's fixture marks the first of three home games in-a-row for Man City. They face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday, followed by a fiery clash with Liverpool on Sunday.

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