Pep Guardiola set to face familiar problem with Man City players after international break

The nature of Manchester City’s small squad has many benefits but some have raised concern about its depth ahead of a season that could contain 50-plus matches.

The size of Pep Guardiola’s cohort means game load must be managed tightly amid the fact there is not too much room for rotation. Several times already this season, City have been unable to name a full bench with two goalkeepers often listed.

Injuries to several key players have meant Guardiola has had to rely on each corner of his squad at some point so soon into the season, and the luxury of having versatile players has been vital in keeping the momentum going.

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The past fortnight has clearly highlighted which players are most crucial for City. The Blues have no problem keeping the opposition in their own half but sometimes lack the creativity to unlock the low block.

Kevin De Bruyne has been sorely missed, but the team is still a powerhouse without him. However, that house becomes somewhat unstable when its cornerstone is removed. City have lost three of their past four games and the only match they won in that period was when Rodri was in the side.

His domestic suspension led to City losing consecutive Premier League games for the first time since 2018. His absence is hopefully an issue Guardiola will not face again now the Spaniard is back once again but the situation problematic should it indeed arise again.

But there are other key areas in the current side that could lead to the team being less effective too. The obvious one is goalkeeper. Ederson may have left Guardiola sweating with his Cruyff turn versus