Man City make drastic change to training schedule to combat major Pep Guardiola concern

Manchester City players are only spending 'five to 10 minutes' on the training pitch each day in an attempt to cope with their injury and fitness crisis.

Pep Guardiola remains furious at the injuries sustained to his City players who were not given rests over the international friendlies last month. Kyle Walker and John Stones returned injured, while Phil Foden played both games for England and Nathan Ake has been out with his own injury after two starts for the Netherlands.

Rodri, who also played twice for Spain, is the latest player to report that he needs a rest - although that admission got little sympathy from Guardiola on Friday - and Guardiola has bemoaned the schedule that means he has no time to give his squad suitable recovery time between games.

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Guardiola said the injury picture means City are in 'big, big trouble' and described the situation as one of the toughest seasons he's had to manage. He warned that the amount of injuries will only get 'worse and worse and worse', but also said his players know exactly what they must do from here.

As a result, Guardiola has limited training sessions to the minimum amount possible - instead focussing on tactics, relaxation and recovery on the training ground.

"We know what we have to do. We’ve done it. The people say, 'you have done it, so you’re going to win.' No, it's not about that," said Guardiola. "But we have done it and know exactly what we have to do. The players will be ready.

"They know how tough it has been this season for many reasons, maybe