The Algeria winger has not started a league game since December, but could feature in the FA Cup fifth round clash.
He is behind Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and Leroy Sane in the pecking order, but is likely to feature against Newport County in the FA Cup fifth-round on Saturday.
When asked about Mahrez’s lack of first-team action, City boss Guardiola said: “I have a reason. I am the reason. He is not absolutely guilty or he doesn’t feel any special reason why.
“I am sad because he is training incredibly, he is an incredibly talented player but in this moment we have five strikers – for example in the last games Leroy hasn’t played.
Mahrez has nine goals and six assists in a City shirt this term and Guardiola has trusted him in big games.
Guardiola added: “I am unfair in the fact that if he had played the minutes that the others had played he would have been in the top level like the players who are playing.
“It’s not easy for one guy who does not play regularly to come in and play at a high, high level.