Pep Guardiola has revealed that Gabriel Jesus is carrying a knock that has prevented him from starting for Manchester City at Chelsea.
With Sergio Aguero out, Guardiola made six changes from the side that started against Burnley on Monday. His front three consisted of Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva, just has he had hinted in his pre-match press conference that he may have to play a false nine.
And speaking before the match at Stamford Bridge - knowing anything but a win will confirm Liverpool as Premier League Champions - Guardiola said his team selection was the best available to him.
"I don't have another option," he said, reiterating that he has one eye on Sunday's FA Cup quarter final at Newcastle.
"We have a few injuries, Joao Cancelo is injured, Sergio is injured. We cannot win eight titles for the last nine we played if we were not involved in every single game that we take seriously. But we cannot deny that this tough week with Chelsea, Newcastle and Liverpool.
"So we cannot deny the league, congratulations to Liverpool. The qualification for the Champions League has us in a good position. So the game in the FA Cup becomes important.
"We have three or four players from the academy, we played the side as best as possible to play against Chelsea today."
Expanding on why Jesus was not starting, Guardiola confirmed the striker had picked up a knock against Burnley in the second half.
Guardiola continued: "Gabriel had a big kick too against Burnley, the day after he could not train. We have Newcastle and against Liverpool too so we decide to rest him a little bit. He may be able to help for half an hour."
