Pep Guardiola believes packed schedule has caused Manchester City’s injury issues

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, blames the congested fixture schedule for the injuries that have ravaged his struggling team this season, saying he needs a squad of 45 or 50 players to weather the storm.

Pep Guardiola stated that Manchester City is currently in survival mode, as they may have only three defenders available for the upcoming derby against Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

This situation adds to the challenges facing their already slim chances of retaining the Premier League title.

They currently sit fourth in the table and have managed to secure just one victory in their last 10 matches across all competitions.

“The soul and the spirit of this team is there. I’m sad for the players because of the way they run and they fight,” Guardiola said at a press conference. “It’s unbelievable what they do in the circumstances that we have to compete.

“In this calendar, there are more games than ever. We have more injuries than ever. And it made me reflect that maybe in this calendar, you need a squad of 45 or 50 players. It would be more difficult financially for the club.

“But we’re going to play the (FIFA Club) World Cup in the summer. (After) three weeks, start again the Premier League. And maybe we have to have more depth of squad.

“The problem is the schedule. It’s not the training, it’s not the physios, doctors, or players. This is the truth. It’s just one problem. It’s the schedule. And the schedule, sooner or later, will happen for all the clubs.”

City are already out of the FA Cup and are 22nd in the Champions League table after a 2-0 loss to Juventus on Wednesday, with only the top 24 avoiding elimination.

Guardiola expressed uncertainty about his defensive lineup, as Manuel Akanji (abdominal injury) and Nathan Ake (hamstring injury) remain unavailable after getting injured in the December 4th victory over Nottingham Forest.

Additionally, Rico Lewis will miss the game due to suspension, and John Stones has been sidelined since suffering a foot injury on November 23rd.

Guardiola blames the injuries to Akanji and Ake on the fact they had to play despite not having fully recovered from prior injuries.

“Against Bournemouth (on November 2nd) Manu and Nathan weren’t even half at their best but helped us by playing there,” Guardiola said.

“Manu plays 45 minutes and steps back and says, ‘I have to recover, or I can’t compete’.”

Asked about strengthening his squad during the January transfer window, Guardiola shook his head.

“What I want is my players back,” he said. “The complete squad we had at the beginning of the season. I regret that we don’t have these, not needing new ones.”

City are also set to be without Ballon d’Or winner Rodri for the remainder of the season due to a knee injurydue to a knee injury.