Manchester City injury list points to a problem nobody is solving

It remains to be seen whether Pep Guardiola will go through with his promise of fielding youth players in the Carabao Cup or whether it was press conference bluster.

Regardless the injuries are mounting at Manchester City. "We are in trouble," said Guardiola this week. Bernardo Silva was the latest to pull up with a problem. He joins John Stones, Jack Grealish, Mateo Kovacic and Kevin De Bruyne on the absentee list.

Five players who would walk into most if not all teams in the Premier League. City’s spending power means the violins will be in short supply but while squad depth is a factor for Guardiola given the summer transfer activity, the Etihad chief can justifiably point to the ever expanding schedule as both a cause and a gripe.

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City played a mammoth 61 games last season with the majority of their squad also involved in a winter World Cup on top of other international commitments. It won’t get any easier this season with the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup added to the calendar.

The latter becomes a 32-team tournament in 2025, which City have already qualified for, and brings with it the potential of a further seven fixtures. Next season the Champions League changes come into play, adding an extra two group stage fixtures. Throw in the domestic cups and it’s not inconceivable City could pass the 70-game mark in the near future.

It’s a demand that comes at the expense of the players. High salaries and Premier League lifestyles do not offer protection to injuries and fatigue.

Any sports scientist will warn of those dangers but the appetite for matches,