Pep Guardiola wants Benjamin Mendy to follow Leroy Sane’s lead as he considers throwing the Frenchman straight back into action against Liverpool.

Mendy could be handed a surprise start after almost a month out if he can prove his fitness before Sunday’s trip to Anfield.

The left back hasn’t played for Manchester City since bruising his metatarsal in training following the last international break.

But Guardiola is eager to have him available for the top of the table clash against Jurgen Klopp’s side - even if it’s only on the bench.

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And City’s manager is looking for a change in Mendy’s attitude when he returns to action after the defender was given a stern rebuke for his commitment to his recovery.

Guardiola was angry with the 24-year-old for turning up late for physio treatment the day after watching Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight world title fight with Alexander Povetkin at Wembley last month.

He hopes his tough love will have the same effect on Mendy as it did on Sane after the German winger was dropped over concerns about his focus at the start of the season.

It sparked an immediate response from Sane, who has started four out of the last five games, and admitted Guardiola’s handling of him was justified.

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He told Sport 1: “I love challenges, especially with Pep Guardiola. Jogi Low and Pep Guardiola both know exactly how to deal with me.

“To receive criticism from big coaches even delights me a bit. Criticism is normal in football. I only focus on myself. I want to improve.”

Sane was outstanding against Hoffenheim as City secured a 2-1 win in the Champions League on Tuesday - but Guardiola’s post match comments were evidence he is still carefully managing last season’s Young Player of the Year.

“I don’t want to talk too much as he is still young and has to learn,” said the Catalan. “I don’t think he has the quality to play inside like Bernardo (Silva), but outside he is a special, special player.”

City will assess Mendy between now and Sunday as Guardiola weighs up his left back options.

Fabian Delph has been ruled out of Liverpool with injury, leaving Oleksandr Zinchenko and Aymeric Laporte as City’s options if Mendy is not declared fit.

But it is believed the discomfort in his foot has eased to the point that Guardiola has genuine hope he will be able to play some part in the biggest game of the season so far.