Pep Guardiola has emphasized that Manchester City's fit squad members will need to continue playing through any discomfort due to an escalating injury crisis. Rodri, Oscar Bobb, and Kevin De Bruyne are facing long-term issues, while Jack Grealish, Jérémy Doku, and Kyle Walker might not return before the international break. Josko Gvardiol, Savinho, and Manuel Akanji are uncertain for City's visit to Bournemouth on Saturday. This leaves a total of nine key players that the manager might be without. City's schedule includes a Champions League match against Sporting on Tuesday, followed by a Premier League game at Brighton next Saturday, which is the last match before the break.
Guardiola was questioned about how much the available players can be pushed. “They are accustomed to playing with some pain,” he said. “It can be minor issues – today, almost all players play with pain. There are times when injuries are serious and you must be cautious, but sometimes if you have issues, you have to play. Rafa Nadal played his entire career with pain. He played and won numerous grand slams. You have to manage it in modern football or you can't sustain games every three days at a top club. We will adapt tomorrow and in the upcoming games. We have an exceptional group of players with a strong mentality in challenging moments. This week is crucial.”
Guardiola provided an update on De Bruyne: “He's improving. The last two or three days, the doctor informed me that he has made progress in terms of pain.” Rúben Amorin was confirmed as Manchester United's new head coach on Friday but will not take charge until November 11, meaning he will lead Sporting against City. “I expect the best from Sporting,” Guardiola said. “The best advice is that opponents always perform at their best – I'm sure they will. It's the Champions League against Manchester City. But you must understand that my concern is not primarily with Sporting [right now].”
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