Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has warned some of his players that they could be sold this summer, if you can’t keep up with the demanding schedule, you’re out.
The latest injury concern is John Stones, who was forced off after just eight minutes in Wednesday’s 3-1 loss against Real Madrid in the champions league with a thigh problem.
Fears are that his season might be over, and this is just the latest setback for the 30-year-old, who has made only 20 appearances this season due to injuries.
Guardiola also hinted that Stones and Manuel Akanji, who is out with an abductor problem, might need surgery.
“The next hours, days, we will know if he needs surgery or not. Like Manuel Akanji,” he said.
Also Read:Check out Champions League Round Of 16 Draw
With many of his players approaching or already over 30, Guardiola knows that some just can’t handle the intense schedule.
“We have to sit down with the doctors, with physios, with the players, with the agents, and be clear that some of them cannot sustain every three days, every month, every two months, playing every three, four days. So this is the reality. There’s one more year, then a World Cup.”
Players like Nathan Aké, who’s 30 and has played only 16 times this term, and Kevin De Bruyne, 33, who’s struggled with injuries, including a pelvic problem that kept him out for nearly two months, are likely to be impacted by Guardiola’s words.
Manchester City will take on Liverpool at the Etihad on Sunday as they look to maintain their chase for a top-four finish.
