Guardiola challenge Mendy to prove his strength in 2019

Manchester City boss has challenged Benjamin Mendy to toughen up, by insisting he has to get used to playing matches twice in a week when he returns from his latest injury setback.

Mendy was in superb form at the start of this season following his return from injury, but the 24-year-old now faces frustration at missing the busiest part of City's season.

The French Defender suffer a knee injury in Manchester City's 3-1 victory over United and will be out of action until February after undergoing knee surgery in Barcelona a couple of weeks ago.

Before his latest setback Mendy's International boss Didier Deschamps said he 'needs to be aware that he has to take care of his body, on and off the pitch'.

But Guardiola insisted the France international was a 'good professional', before challenging Mendy to prove he could withstand the rigours of two games a week when he returned to fitness in the New Year.

"I think he's a good professional. When he's there, on the pitch or in the locker room, he’s doing what he has to do," Guardiola said

"But we cannot deny that he had a big injury last season, he has another big injury right now and hopefully everyone can understand what you need to be.

"A strong guy is one who plays every three days. These kind of guys are never injured. That has to be his main target. After that we decide if he plays or not. Continuity is the target."

"He's young, incredible potential and it's a pity, he's an incredible guy," said Guardiola.

Mendy, only played four month for the Cityzens through out an unfortunate 2018 calendar year but will certainly hope he can make good use of the opportunities next year tends to present.