'Problems...' - Blow for Pep as 'phenomenal' Man City star could now miss Watford with Walker

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has cast doubt over the availability of two more defensive options for the Premier League meeting with Watford. 

The Sky Blues are currently in the midst of a gruelling fixture schedule and are likely to remain without Kyle Walker with an ankle injury after Ruben Dias also spent time on the sidelines recently.

As just a solitary point separates Guardiola’s side and the chasing Liverpool, every remaining league game has been billed as a must-win encounter by the Spanish boss.

Walker appear to roll his ankle in the win at Atletico Madrid and has since been spotted in a protective boot, raising plenty of doubts over his availability for the run-in.

However, it seems he’s not the only defensive issue for Pep to worry about…

Speaking during the pre-match press conference, as relayed by the Manchester Evening News, Guardiola is unsure about the availability of John Stones and Nathan Ake.

When asked over fresh team news, he said: “A niggle [Stones]. Little problems, like Nathan today we make an assessment, tomorrow we decide.”

Regular England international Stones is believed to have felt tightness during the 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in midweek whilst Ake had to be replaced at half time due to a twisted ankle.

In truth, the potential defensive absentees shouldn’t cause too many headaches for City in a game the hosts should dominate at the Etihad.

Albeit Roy Hodgson’s side will arrive with their Premier League status hanging in the balance, Watford have only mustered 30 goals in 32 matches this season and therefore Aymeric Laporte alongside a fit again Dias should be more than enough to cope with any threat posed by the visitors.

Allowing key players such as Stones, recently hailed