Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has labelled RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku as “exceptional” ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League knockout round fixture.

The Frenchman is, however, expected to be absent for the game due to an injury and Guardiola has warned his squad that Leipzig can still perform well without one of their key players:

“Nkunku is [an] exceptional player but they live this season without him and do it really well without him.”

The round of 16 tie is finely poised after the two teams played out a 1-1 draw in Germany. Despite Guardiola’s protestations, though, Nkunku’s injury should tip things in City’s favour.

While he has had a difficult season due to fitness problems, the 25-year-old has still racked up 17 goals and five assists in 27 appearances for Leipzig.

Although things have not been made official yet, Nkunku is expected to be plying his trade in the Premier League next campaign. Chelsea are believed to have tied up a deal to sign the player this summer, and Guardiola clearly feels he will be a major force if and he when he arrives in England.