Pep Guardiola has delivered a rallying cry to his depleted Manchester City squad, insisting that tiredness is a mental challenge they can overcome as an injury crisis grips the club.
Defensive Blow for Title Chasers
The reigning champions are facing a severe shortage of players, particularly in central defence. The situation worsened this weekend when Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol joined the already sidelined John Stones on the treatment table.
Dias is expected to be out for a minimum of six weeks, while Gvardiol faces an even longer absence after suffering a broken leg. The defensive woes are compounded by other absences, with Omar Marmoush, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Savinho, Oscar Bobb, and Mateo Kovacic all unavailable due to either injury or international duty.
Guardiola Backs Squad's Spirit
These setbacks have contributed to a stuttering start to 2026 for City, who have fallen six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal after consecutive draws against Sunderland and Chelsea. With a relentless schedule across four competitions offering no respite until mid-February, Guardiola has limited options for rotation.
However, the manager drew a stark contrast with a difficult period last season, where City won just once in 13 games. He expressed unwavering faith in his current group's mental fortitude.
"I don't have any – zero zero zero – complaints about my players," Guardiola stated emphatically. "Completely the opposite. That's why comparing with last season is completely different."
He added: "Of course just to sustain it every three days, a lot of games, with few players will be tough, but if the spirit is in the right spot we will be there. If you are tired, it is in your mind. If you are there, we can work on it with the players that we have."
Transfer Window Solutions Sought
With the squad stretched thin, the club is actively looking to bolster its ranks during the January transfer window. City have already recalled young defender Max Alleyne from his loan spell at Watford.
Reports suggest a deal for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo is advancing, with a medical potentially scheduled for Thursday. The club has also been linked with a move for Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi.
While refusing to comment on specific names at a press conference ahead of Wednesday's match against Brighton, Guardiola hinted that new arrivals are likely. "We'll see (about) a transfer, we will be creative," he said. "We'll find some solutions."
The coming weeks will test Guardiola's philosophy to its limit, as City's heart and mindset are tasked with overcoming a significant physical shortage in their pursuit of silverware.
