Kevin De Bruyne, another key player, has been out of action for the last four matches due to a groin injury. City fans were hoping for a quicker return, but the Belgian playmaker is not expected to feature until after the international break, possibly making his comeback on October 20 against Wolves.

De Bruyne has been included in the squad bound for the tournament in Saudi Arabia later this month, but Guardiola says he doesn’t know if he is able to take part at this point. The Belgian has returned to light training, but is yet to train with the squad under normal training conditions.