Schalke vs Man City line-ups: Predicted XIs for…

Schalke vs Man City line-ups: Predicted XIs for Wednesday's Champions League clash at Veltins-Arena

John Stones and Gabriel Jesus have been ruled out of Manchester City’s Champions League tie with Schalke.

The pair were left behind as Pep Guardiola’s side flew out for Wednesday’s round of 16 first-leg tie in Germany.

Stones is recovering from a groin strain, while Jesus has a hamstring problem – but both are expected to recover in time for Sunday’s League Cup showdown with Chelsea at Wembley.

Benjamin Mendy, who is still working his way back to full fitness after a meniscus injury, also stayed behind, despite returning to training this week.

Fabian Delph was also absent from City’s travelling squad.

But Vincent Kompany is in contention to take part against Schalke after more than a month on sidelines.

Guardiola couldn’t disguise his frustration when assessing his latest injuries in the middle of such a hectic run of games as City pursue an unprecedented quadruple.

“John yesterday has a groin problem, and Gabriel finished the game in Newport with a hamstring problem,” he said. “It’s not a big one for both, but enough for the doctor to say don’t come here.

“That’s normal when you play more than three months every three days a game. We play 25 games in three months so sooner or later you are going to finish the season and we are going to give them three weeks because if not we are going to destroy the competitions.”

City are set to head to China and possibly Japan during the summer.

There was more than a hint of sarcasm in Guardiola’s tone when he added: “We’ll come back and play in China to play the big clubs in Europe, and we have to win because if we don’t win the season will be a mess.

"And push them and push them and in the end the legs of the players say that will be enough.

“That’s happened. Maybe Uefa will organise a new competition.”