Pep Guardiola revealed in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference that he has just 14 fit senior Manchester City players to from, for the upcoming game against Sporting Lisbon.
The Sky Blues head into Wednesday’s Champions League match with a 5-0 advantage from the first leg of the last-16 tie.
It should be a strong enough lead to mean City’s injury problems don’t affect their passage to the quarter-finals, however, Guardiola will have to put out an unorthodox side to face the Portuguese champions.
The City boss said Joao Cancelo is unavailable due to illness, and he didn’t take part in Tuesday’s pre-match training session.
Guardiola also explained it is ‘too risky’ for Nathan Ake to feature following a recent injury, with Ruben Dias a long-term concern at the heart of defence.
Kyle Walker is also suspended for the second leg following his dismissal in the group stages against RB Leipzig, something Guardiola is still evidently furious about.
It leaves the Premier League champions with just three fit defenders to operate with, and he’ll either have to move a more offensive player into the backline, or select a youth-team prospect.
Here’s how we think he’ll line up against Sporting…
5. Oleksandr Zinchenko
Guardiola said he is ready to play during Tuesday’s press conference, following the horrendous events in Zinchenko’s homeland in recent weeks.
6. Rodri
If Fernandinho drops into defence, it means the Spaniard might have to start at the base of midfield. He was rested last week against Peterborough United and should be relatively fresh.
7. Phil Foden
Guardiola strongly hinted that Kevin De Bruyne will be rested on Wednesday, so Foden might be asked to play in midfield, much as he did at London Road last week.
8. Ilkay Gundogan
Came off the bench in the derby and his selection would offer the opportunity to rest Bernardo Silva. The German is always a reliable option when called upon.