Pep Guardiola, supported by Txiki Begiristain, prefers to operate with a small, manageable squad at Manchester City. It's a policy that has delivered plenty of success but is not without risk.
However much certain critics and pundits try to insist that the Blues have endless resources, anyone who has paid any shred of attention to the Etihad in the last few years will know that City's success lies on fewer versatile players rather than a host of specialists in each position.
Suddenly, City have emerged from the international break with six key players injured for the foreseeable future, leaving them with just 15 fit outfield options.
The transfer strategy would always be stretched if certain players got injured, but the current situation is surely among the extremes of any worst-case scenarios mitigated for. ALSO READ: I burned out at Man City after landmark season - now I'm back with a simple request for Guardiola ALSO READ: Oscar Bobb explains Man City return date plan after Pep Guardiola injury update But City have been here before.