Man City told the three players who have been their biggest losses this season

Former Manchester City defender Richard Dunne believes Pep Guardiola's men have missed Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez this season.

This summer both Gundogan and Mahrez left the Etihad Stadium to take on a different challenge. At the expiry of his contract, City's former captain joined Barcelona while the Blues' Algerian winger moved to the Saudi Pro League with Al Ahli.

De Bruyne has remained in Manchester but has not featured since the opening weekend when he suffered a hamstring injury. The Belgian is likely to return in the New Year and while his absence is not permanent, Dunne feels he has been a loss this year.

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He explained to Betway: "I think [City are favourites for the title]. It seems to get harder every time they win it, it seems to get a little bit more difficult to keep that edge there. The others are trying to catch them.

"De Bruyne’s injury and the sale of Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez, were all big losses. But they’ve dealt with it. Can they continue to?

"But they always get better as the season goes on, and that comes down to the manager and his preparation. He keeps them on their toes. They’re playing well but it will be a lot closer this time - though there’s no reason to see why they won’t be there again."

Another player who departed this summer was Cole Palmer. Now at Chelsea, the winger is proving to be a revelation at Stamford Bridge.

When asked if City could lived to regret selling him, Dunne replied: "Quite possibly. It’s a shame he’s left City because he’s a very good player, but the opportunities probably weren’t going to be there for him over