Mason Mount took a knock in training yesterday, and Raheem Sterling limped off after three minutes of tonight's game, followed by Christian Pulisic.
That brings us to ten genuine first-team players who are currently unavailable. You can easily imagine
Here is the current list:
Edouard Mendy Reece James Wesley Fofana Ben Chilwell N'Golo Kante Mason Mount Ruben Loftus-Cheek Armando Broja Raheem Sterling Christian Pulisic
Of course, some of them are expected to return soon, while others will be out for some time. We simply can't buy players fast enough right now, and it's difficult to see any of our new signings going out on loan while we're this thin.
In any case, we can't count on any of them tonight, and things aren't looking good for Sunday's game either.
There have been mutterings online about our medical staff, and while most of it is nonsense, we will be tempted to ask questions soon.
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Pep Guardiola credited Manchester City's 1-0 win over Chelsea on Thursday to the introduction of 18-year-old Rico Lewis.
City were poor in the first half and were fortunate to be level at the break, with Chelsea's Carney Chukwuemeka hitting the post.
However, teenager Lewis, who had started the previous two Premier League games for City, was introduced at halftime as Guardiola reverted to a back four.Lewis moved to right-back but looked at ease operating in central midfield areas, as Guardiola prefers his full-backs to do, completing all 27 passes as City suddenly gained control - he was the only player with more than 16 pass attempts to record 100% accuracy.
Riyad Mahrez scored the game-winning goal in the 63rd minute after a fantastic pass from fellow substitute Jack Grealish, but it was Lewis who Guardiola cited as crucial.
"In the last few games, Rico has shown that he has the ability to make his teammates play better," Guardiola told Sky Sports."So, there are players who play for themselves really well, but [Lewis] has the ability to make the whole team play better because every movement he does, he knows exactly what he has to do.
"He's playing the level he was playing against Chelsea in the EFL Cup, against Leeds, Liverpool. He altered the game."
However, for many, John Stones was the standout performer.
He was not only composed on the ball (aside from one heavy first touch in the second half that invited pressure from Conor Gallagher), but he was also solid defensively.Stones had the most touches (102) and successful passes (85) of anyone on the field, while no one matched his duels success (77.8 percent - minimum of two duels contested) and only Thiago Silva (five) had more clearances than him.
Stones' future at City was in doubt not long ago, but Guardiola believes the England international is playing the best football of his career.
"He was outstanding in the World Cup," Guardiola said. "He can perfectly adapt in the build-up with three [at the back], [playing] wider. He exudes calm and composure."He is playing at the best level, maybe for the first time in seven years since we arrived together.
"He is a fantastic, fantastic player when he is stable here [pointing to his head], when his mood is good."
With 21 games remaining, City's lead over leaders Arsenal has shrunk to five points, which does not appear insurmountable for a squad as deep as City's.
Guardiola was quick to credit Arsenal, insisting that the Gunners were impressive even in the few games they did not win.
"Well, it could have been seven, ten, or eight points, but now the gap is five," Guardiola said."We have to look at ourselves, but I have to admit, the way they are playing, Arsenal deserve to be there.
"It's not just about the points; it's about the way they play. Even though they lost to [Manchester] United and drew with Newcastle, their quality and level of play are outstanding."
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