Pep Guardiola reacts as Man City suffer injury crisis ahead of West Ham United game
Manchester City are facing an injury crisis ahead of the game with West Ham and are currently down to three senior defenders, Pep Guardiola has confirmed.
The Hammers face the league-leaders in their next game on Sunday (15 May), while City also have to travel to Wolves in midweek (11 May), but have ruled out John Stones, Ruben Dias and Kyle Walker for the remainder of the season.
Nathan Ake is also currently out but may return for the trip to the London Stadium, leaving the door open for shock result as David Moyes’ side looks to seal a European place for next season.
Speaking after their victory over Newcastle, via the City website, Guardiola said: “Ruben, Kyle and John are out until the end of the season.
“Next pre-season maybe they will be ready.
“If Rodri has to play in that position, it is not a problem, or if we have to play someone from the Academy. We have 13 players available for these games. No more than that, plus Academy.
“When we do that, everyone has to do more to help our absences and the problem we have.
“It is what it is. We arrive with problems. Today we had three defenders in the second half.”
Weak spot
It is always going to be a major test going up against the reigning and prospective champions, but Moyes has beaten the biggest teams in the league at home in recent memory.
Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham have all left east London empty handed this season so a surprise is certainly possible.
Guardiola’s side have the quality to fill the gaps, but any weakness is there to be exploited.
The Hammers are currently in seventh which would be good enough for a place in the Europa Conference League next season.
But with Manchester United three points ahead having played a game more and with far inferior goal difference they should be well within range considering their awful form.
The thrashing of Norwich on Sunday (8 May) was a welcome boost after the demoralising exit from the Europa League in Frankfurt.
But after that run in Europe this season the team will want the chance to replicate it, and if the league’s top side are arriving with an injury crisis the Irons will take any help they can get to cement a place for next year.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are leading the race for an in-demand striker who looks set to be available in the summer.
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