MANCHESTER -- Fernandinho has been told to carry on playing in the same way as he returns from a four-match ban for Manchester City's trip to West Ham United.
The Brazilian was sent off for a two-footed tackle in City's 2-1 win over Burnley on Jan. 4, which was his third red card in six weeks.
He was given a three-match ban for shoving Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas in an ugly brawl at the end of City's 3-1 defeat on Dec. 3 and also picked up a red card in the Champions League draw with Borussia Monchengladbach on Nov. 23.
Fernandinho has missed eight of City's last 11 games through suspension but City boss Pep Guardiola defended the midfielder's record insisting he is not overly aggressive.
"He's so important we play a lot without him. I am happy he's back," Guardiola told a news conference. "He's important for us.
"He's not aggressive. He's a tough intense player, like English football is. He is one of the nicest guys I've ever met.
"What happened against Chelsea we have talked a lot about. What happened after [against Burnley] happens many, many times. We accept the ban and don't complain. But he's not aggressive, he's honest."
Fernandinho will be back in the squad to face West Ham as will striker Sergio Aguero, who has trained with the first team after missing Saturday's FA Cup victory over Crystal Palace with a knock.
Meanwhile, Guardiola ruled out any new players joining before the transfer window closes, insisting he is happy with the squad he takes into the rest into the rest of the season.
"We have enough players, good players," he said when asked about a possible deadline day deal.
"The window is important for the club, players. Every weekend I am so sad because I have to leave three players at home. While this happens why should we buy. If players leave, maybe. I'm happy."
Sources have told ESPN FC that City are interested in 19-year-old Venezuelan midfielder Yangel Herrera, from Atletico Venezuela.
A deal is not expected to be completed today and he could be loaned out to sister club New York City FC.