Guardiola Bemoans Injury Pile-Up

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he is short of options for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Hoffenheim.

David Silva is the latest big name to pick up an injury after limping out of Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The former Spain international fell to the floor clutching his hamstring in the second half and Guardiola confirmed he will need around three weeks to recover.

Silva’s injury is the latest blow for the Premier League champions and he joins the likes of Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne, Benjamin Mendy and Danilo in the treatment room.

City have already booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League although they are not yet guaranteed top spot, with Guardiola admitting he is lacking senior players.

Guardiola said: “David Silva is not able. Kevin De Bruyne (knee) is notable. Danilo is not able. Sergio Aguero is not ready.

“We have 15 players available so I can’t do it too much (rotating). We are in the next stage, which is important, but we have to try and win every game to finish first.”

The injury to Silva comes at a bad time for the Citizens as they look to bounce back from their first domestic defeat of the season, while the fixtures are set to come thick and fast over the Christmas period.

Guardiola, however, is confident Aguero will be back in the squad for Saturday’s home clash with Everton.