In the aftermath of Manchester City’s disappointing defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup, manager Pep Guardiola provided a gloomy update on the injury status of several key players. The Spanish tactician revealed that Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jack Grealish are all unlikely to return to action before the upcoming international break.

Guardiola’s injury woes were compounded further as Manuel Akanji and Savinho also picked up knocks during the Spurs clash. The City boss was forced to withdraw Akanji in the warm-up, while Savinho had to be stretchered off just after the hour mark.

Addressing the growing injury list, Guardiola admitted that he is dealing with the worst injury crisis of his tenure at the Etihad. The former Barcelona manager claimed that he only has “13 outfield players” available for selection, a testament to the mounting fitness issues plaguing the defending Premier League champions.

The news will come as a significant blow to Guardiola and Manchester City as they look to bounce back from their EFL Cup exit. The Citizens are now set to face a busy schedule in the coming weeks, with crucial Premier League and Champions League fixtures on the horizon.

Fans will be hoping that the international break provides an opportunity for the injured stars to recover and rejoin the squad in time to aid City’s quest for silverware on multiple fronts.