Pep Guardiola has admitted he started a player who wasn’t fully fit against Liverpool and he’s now injured.
Manchester City have enjoyed a rare mid-week off from action with no Champions League football to contend with until they take on Real Madrid next month.
That has given a tiring squad a much-needed break, especially with injuries beginning to mount up once again.
Jack Grealish remains sidelined with a groin problem that has troubled him over the last month while Ederson joined him in the treatment room after suffering a thigh injury against Liverpool.
The Brazilian wasn’t the only casualty from Anfield as it transpires Kevin De Bruyne suffered a groin strain which has ruled him out of Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Newcastle United.
Pep Guardiola has now admitted the brilliant Belgian played at the weekend despite carrying an injury ‘problem.’
Pep Guardiola’s injury update on Kevin De Bruyne
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said on De Bruyne: “Well he’s not ready.
“He play at Anfield with some problems. But he’s getting better, not ready for tomorrow, I’m pretty sure.
“We spoke with the manager from Belgium, Domenico Tedesco, and he decided and that’s why I’m grateful because he doesn’t feel good and he can recover for the rest of the season.
“All the players today in modern football they are not clean. They have problems but they want to finish the game, day after he doesn’t feel good and it’s better to take a step back.”
Newcastle injury news
City may be without three of their most important players for Saturday’s FA Cup tie but Newcastle have it much worse.
Eddie Howe could be without up to nine of his first-teamers after Anthony Gordon became the latest to pick up an injury on Monday.
The Magpies boss is hopeful Gordon will be able to play but he will be without Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes, Nick Pope, Joelinton, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Lewis Hall through injury while Sandro Tonali is suspended.
That’s a heavy casualty list and City should be confident of reaching the semi-finals, even if Newcastle have proven tricky opposition in the three previous meetings this season.
