Pep Guardiola: Lack of post-World Cup rest time for Julian Alvarez

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has stressed Julian Alvarez has had "not much" of a rest following his World Cup exploits.

City forward Alvarez was a key player in Argentina's triumphant campaign at the tournament in Qatar, coming into the starting line-up after the first two group games and going on to score four times.

After playing in the final on December 18, the 22-year-old returned to City's training ground last Friday and a day later came off the bench late on in the 1-1 Premier League draw with Everton at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola said of Alvarez: "In the last minutes, at 1-1, we needed people in the box. That is why he played.

"But in the end he rested one week, 10 days - it's not much after the World Cup final."

Alvarez's World Cup goals added to seven he has scored for City this term. He has made 21 appearances for the club, 13 as a substitute.

Guardiola was asked how much consideration he had given to playing Alvarez and City's 27-goal top-scorer Erling Haaland - who put them ahead against Everton - together against teams that defend deep, and he said: "Yeah it can happen. The ball arrives there, and you have two strikers that are going to score goals.

"But to create these chances, you have to make the process, and sometimes you need other types of players to create these chances.

"But of course they can play together, especially against five at the back."

Another player introduced late on against Everton was Phil Foden, who has been utilised in that way in all three of City's games since the World Cup. In both of the two league matches, he has come on for fellow England international Jack Grealish.

Guardiola said Foden made "incredibly good contributions" against Everton, and added: "Phil can play in a thousand