Pep Guardiola said he is concerned about injuries picked up by key defenders Josko Gvardiol and Rúben Dias in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
Manchester City’s manager said he should know on Monday how serious the problems are. City have seven more games in January with John Stones, another of their centre-backs, already injured. Gvardiol was forced off after 51 minutes and Dias half an hour later.
Guardiola said: “[Gvardiol] doesn’t look good. I didn’t speak with the doctor – I should know tomorrow [Monday] about them.”
Although Rodri made a first start since 5 October, the manager is unsure if the Spaniard will be able to face Brighton at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday as he continues his return to first-team action. Nico González, Rodri’s deputy, is also an injury doubt after going off at half-time of the draw at Sunderland on New Year’s Day.
Guardiola is also without the long-term injured Mateo Kovacic, another holding midfielder. Savinho is another doubt.
Guardiola said: “We have a lot [of injuries]. John Stones is missing for I don’t know how many months. Rúben now will be out, Josko will be out. Nathan [Aké], always we know with Nathan he cannot play regularly. It’s the situation.
“Stay strong and we will find a solution. The spirit is there and will be there. Of course I have concerns. Have you seen the bench today? Four players from the academy and now we will have more. We don’t have players.”
Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for 'The Guardian'.
If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the most recent version.
In the Guardian app, tap the Profile settings button at the top right, then select Notifications.
Turn on sport notifications.
City had led due through a Tijjani Reijnders strike just ahead of the break before Enzo Fernández’s late leveller. City have dropped four points in their past two games and are now six behind Arsenal. Regarding their title challenge, Guardiola said: “Wednesday is Brighton and we see – I don’t have a crystal ball to know what will happen.”
While Liam Rosenior reportedly flew to London on Sunday for talks about becoming Chelsea’s new permanent No 1, the interim head coach, Calum McFarlane, said: “We are training tomorrow [Monday] so unless I am told otherwise I will be taking that session. My sole focus has been on this game. Until I am told otherwise I will lead the team. It was a great experience a great game to be a part of, really proud of the players and how they performed particularly second half, great occasion.”
