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Guardiola warns Mendy to control his late-night antics

London - Pep Guardiola has warned Benjamin Mendy to curb his late-night antics after the Manchester City defender was spotted in a club in the early hours of Saturday morning.

France star Mendy was reported to have been at the Manchester nightspot until 02:30 (GMT), according to British media on Tuesday.

Mendy had not been included in City's squad for their Premier League win at Fulham later on Saturday.

Instead, he was due to attend a training session as he battles to return to fitness following another injury-plagued season.

City boss Guardiola admitted he couldn't force Mendy to stay at home, but he made it clear he was frustrated by the player's latest high-spirited incident.

"They are old enough to know what they have to do, I'm not his father. I would prefer him to go home earlier but I don't control the players in that situation," Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday.

"(I'm) not frustrated, I'm a relaxed guy. It might not look like it but I sleep quite well."

Mendy, 24, has had two injury-ravaged campaigns at City since joining the club in 2017.

He has appeared only once for the English champions, as a substitute in the League Cup at Burton in January, since undergoing meniscus surgery in November.

Mendy missed most of his first season at the club with a cruciate ligament injury.

He was also the subject of disciplinary action last September when he reported late for treatment on a foot injury having attended a high-profile Anthony Joshua boxing fight in London the previous evening.

Guardiola said Mendy is now fit and in contention for Wednesday's clash with Cardiff at the Etihad Stadium.

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