Fans unconvinced as Pep Guardiola claims Man City are ‘in trouble’ with injuries

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City’s growing injury list has left them ‘in trouble’, but rivals fans aren’t convinced.

The reigning Premier League champions won their opening Champions League group stage match 3-1 against Red Star Belgrade as they begin their pursuit of retaining the title.

Bernardo Silva limped off at the end of the second half and was replaced by youngster Jeremy Doku, who was one of only six outfield players on the bench.

Guardiola then confirmed in his post-match that Silva will be sidelined for the ‘next games’.

Kevin de Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Mateo Kovacic and John Stones are also out injured.

“We are in trouble but I am not going to say ‘oh, we have a lot of injuries’. It is what it is,” the Spaniard said after the game.

“With the players we have, we will go for it. As long as we have that mentality, that is good.

“We have five really important players injured and to sustain that for a long time would be difficult. Sometimes it happens. 

“Long time for Kevin, John still didn’t play and needs a bit longer, maybe Kova is coming back, Jack maybe one week to 10 days will be there but after needs to make the conditions.”

But despite Man City heading into a busy schedule with the Premier League and Carabao Cup up next, rival fans have been less than sympathetic after hearing Guardiola’s post-match claim.

“Ah bless. Whatever will they do,” one replied on X, reacting to Guardiola’s quotes.

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Meanwhile, a second fan joked: “Hard work with four international payers in every position!”

“Absence of Silva doesn’t make a difference. City has so many talents or quality players,” a third added.

Despite losing Silva on Tuesday night, Man City’s Julian Alvarez netted twice and Rodri also scored as they cancelled out the visitor’s first half opener.

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