Pep Guardiola: Man City have to adapt due to string of injuries

Defender John Stones, substituted at half-time during City's 4-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, did not train on Monday and remains doubtful for Tuesday's Champions League tie and the weekend's Premier League showdown at Anfield.

In a boost for the squad, Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku returned to training after missing the Tottenham defeat.

However, City will be without key players Rodri, Oscar Bobb, and Mateo Kovacic for the Liverpool encounter, compounding the team's selection headaches.

City manager Pep Guardiola addressed the injury crisis during Monday's press conference, attributing the club's recent slump - five consecutive losses across all competitions - partly to the mounting absences.

"They are still not ready because they were injured. Our main player for transitions, Rodri is not there," said the Manchester City boss.

"We cannot survive because with four central defenders I put Manu or John there, with Ruben, Nathan and Josko behind. We would be strong but we don't have it.

"I have to play with Gundo, who is an attacking midfielder and our best guy for arriving into the box but I have to play him as a holding midfielder because the other holding midfielder - [Mateo] Kova[cic] is injured. And it has to be alongside Rico to give us a lot of passes and we have to adapt.

"It's not because they are soft or they don't want it or they are lazy. We had 26 shots on target and clear ones in front of the keeper - Vicario was exceptional.

"What we have to do is insist. 26 [shots] is not enough? Create more, and try to concede fewer. One day we're going to win a game and our mind will be clear. I hope Tuesday, if not Sunday. The desire is there and we are going to try."

Tuesday's match against Feyenoord, the former club of Arne Slot, sees City seeking redemption in Europe, while Saturday's top-of-the-table clash at Liverpool offers a chance to close the eight-point gap.

Liverpool, coming off a spirited comeback win against Southampton, are in scintillating form as they aim to solidify their lead. 

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