Pep Guardiola: Manchester City boss says Premier League champions in 'big, big trouble' due to injuries and fatigue

ByAlec McQuarrie

Updated 13/04/2024 at 10:46 GMT+1

Manchester City may be without several first-team members against Luton Town on Saturday. The champions are still chasing an unprecedented double-treble but the heavy fixture schedule is taking its toll, admitted Pep Guardiola. Rodri and Phil Foden are doubts to start at the Etihad against Rob Edwards' side, who are fighting their own battle to stay in the Premier League.

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Pep Guardiola has admitted Manchester City are in "big, big trouble" with the Premier League champions suffering from fatigue and injuries in the midst of the run-in.

After City were held to a thrilling 3-3 draw by Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League, indispensable midfielder Rodri claimed that he needed a rest.

Chasing an unprecedented consecutive Treble, Guardiola agreed with his Spanish compatriot in Friday's press conference and added that there are a few others who could also benefit from a more relaxed schedule.

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"I need to adjust. It [rest] is something we are planning, yes," said Guardiola.

"If you have a player that doesn't want to play, he won't play. It is a case of mental energy.

“If he’s exhausted, it can happen and another is going to play. We’ll decide tomorrow what we have to do.

“Take a look at our games and you realise. It is simple. Rodri is so important for the quality he gives us.

"I need to rest the centre-halves too, but John Stones and Kyle Walker got injured in friendlies [for England] so they cannot rest. We are in big, big trouble."

Rodri has already made 41 appearances for City this season, with potentially 12 fixtures still to come if they reach both the FA Cup and Champions League finals.

The Spaniard’s importance was highlighted on Tuesday evening, with the draw in Madrid making it 66 games and 429 days since City lost a game with him in the side.

Conversely, Guardiola’s team have lost all four domestic games which Rodri missed through suspension this season.

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The City boss is sweating on the fitness of several others too, including Phil Foden, who picked up a knock against Real Madrid.

“We are training this afternoon so we will know better how they feel,” said Guardiola.

“I would like to tell you [about Foden], but I didn’t speak to the doctors. After the press conference, we have a meeting, and we will see.

“[As for Kyle], I don’t know right now. Honestly, I would tell you. Josko [Gvardiol] was a doubt for Madrid, but our physios did an incredible job, and he could play.”

But first-choice goalkeeper Ederson is in line for his first start on Saturday afternoon against Luton since City’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool on March 10.

“Eddie is the first choice,” Guardiola added. “He was ready to play against Madrid. He is ready for tomorrow and we will make the decision.”

Agreeing with his rivals Jurgen Klopp and Erik ten Hag, Guardiola pointed to a packed fixture schedule as the reason behind his squad’s injury issues.

Responding to the suggestion of a link between increased matches and increased absences, Guadiola said: "Absolutely. It is completely right. It’s getting worse and worse and worse."

And on Erling Haaland’s struggles in the Spanish capital, the City boss was confident that the Norwegian would learn from the experience.

"He’s a young player. He has some departments where he has to improve. It’s more about the team,” said Guardiola.

“It’s the most difficult position on the pitch. They were so tight and are really good defenders. They had two central defenders close to him and it’s not easy.”

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