Manchester City fullback Rico Lewis says he expects to be put to the test if he comes up against Mo Salah in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night.

Salah did not play in the World Cup after Egypt failed to qualify, so he is likely to start at the Etihad and, when asked about the prospect of facing the 30-year-old, Lewis replied:

“You’ve just got to take the challenge as it comes,” said the Bury-born defender. If I play I’ll do the best I can, that’s all I really can do. Playing against people like that [Salah] will only make you a better player, if you play well or struggle you’re going to learn regardless.”

It’s very unlikely that the two players will be going directly up against each other. Lewis is a right-back by trade and Salah will most likely be going head-to-head with Sergio Gomez instead.

However, it doesn’t mean that Lewis won’t be tested. He came through his last game in the Carabao Cup with flying colours, helping City to a 2-0 win over Chelsea back in November.

Manager Pep Guardiola praised the 18-year-old for his “exceptional” performance after that match and the teenager will be hoping to replicate that display this week.