Pep Guardiola admits Manchester City are ‘in trouble’ ahead of their Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle United after another injury setback. Bernardo Silva was the latest to join a growing list of absentees for the treble winners, with the Portugal international expected to miss the ‘next few weeks’ after being replaced in Tuesday night’s win over Red Star Belgrade.
Silva joins the likes of Jack Grealish, Mateo Kovacic and John Stones in the treatment room ahead of a busy schedule for the only Premier League side still holding a perfect record. Kevin de Bruyne is not expected to return for at least a ‘few months’ after suffering a ‘serious’ hamstring injury in the opening win at Burnley.
Newcastle host City in the third-round tie on Wednesday night following the televised encounter at Sheffield United
0n Sunday. The defending champions came out on top at the Etihad last month, with Julian Alvarez scoring the only goal of the game.
Guardiola has already confirmed his intention to play youth-team players at St James’ Park due to his team’s already lengthy injury list. Following the 3-1 midweek win over Red Star Belgrade, he gave an update on potential return dates as Silva joined his team-mates on the sidelines.
Guardiola told reporters: “We are in trouble but I am not going to say ‘oh, we have a lot of injuries’. It is what it is. With the players we have, we will go for it. As long as we have that mentality, that is good.
“We have five really important players injured and to sustain that for a long time would be difficult. Sometimes it happens. Long time for Kevin, John still didn’t play and needs a bit longer, maybe Kova is coming back, Jack maybe one week to 10 days will be there but after needs to make the conditions.”