Pep Guardiola will refuse to take any unnecessary risks with his players' fitness at Tottenham this week - even if it means Manchester City have less chance of progression in the Carabao Cup.
City beat Sparta Prague and Southampton this week without six first team players as their injury crisis continues to bite. Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne are out without a set return date, while Jack Grealish could be back next week. Jeremy Doku will be out until after the November international break, with Rodri and Oscar Bobb long-term absentees.
That leaves Guardiola with just 15 fit outfield players to pick from - including fringe options James McAtee and Nico O'Reilly. With Southampton restricting City to a 1-0 win, Guardiola's ability to rotate in the second half was tempered, so the manager has vowed to rest any player who needs it against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup.
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Guardiola previously vowed to play the 'second team' for the trip to Spurs in the fourth round, referring to the academy. And he repeated that intention after watching City edge past Southampton.
The under-21s play Grimsby in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday, needing a win to give themselves a good chance of qualification for the knockout stages. However, Guardiola's needs will take priority, so there is a good chance that a handful of academy players will travel to North London instead.
"We have to take care of ourselves. Good sleep, drinks, good food, sleep a lot, training and recovery," he said. "We are who we are. I would love to have everyone, it's not
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