Man City manager Pep Guardiola has given an update on defensive injuries in his squad ahead of the clash against Watford tomorrow.
Speaking to the press, the former Barcelona and Bayern coach has confirmed that centre-back John Stones will be out of action for “at least a month, maybe more,'' adding to the absence of Aymeric Laporte who is feared to be facing a lay-off of around “six months”.
After 34-year-old midfielder Fernandinho deputised at centre-half during City’s 3-0 against Shakhtar Donetsk midweek, it is widely expected that the Brazilian will continue in the place of the stricken Laporte and Stones.
The City boss conceded that “we don’t have many other options”.
Guardiola also confirmed that the Citizens would need to resort to using some of their younger players such as Spain Under-21s defender Eric Garcia and homegrown youngster Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who impressed during pre-season.
Despite their injury woes, Guardiola appeared to be remaining positive, saying Garcia and Harwood-Bellis are “two young players we trust a lot” insisting that, if required, “we will count on them”.
In a rallying call to his depleted squad he stated: “It’s not a problem, it’s a challenge we have to accept it and be positive and we will do it and be happy and work hard”.
City will be looking to put their league loss against Norwich City last weekend behind them and will be hoping to carry on where they left off on Wednesday, when they navigated a traditionally difficult trip to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, winning 3-0.
Liverpool have a five-point lead over City at the top of the Premier League table after the opening five games of the season.
