Man City injury crisis worsens as duo withdraw from international teams

The Citizens head into the two-week pause following a four-match losing run stretching across the Premier League, Champions League and EFL Cup.

Pep Guardiola is experiencing his poorest run of form at the Etihad, and indeed as a manager, meaning that the break will be a welcome one for all those of a Man City persuasion.

A youth-filled Citizens squad lost out in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, when goals from Joao Pedro and Matt O'Riley completed a comeback victory for Brighton & Hove Albion.

Dropping points in four of their opening 11 top-flight matches this term, the reigning champions are currently second in the Premier League table, five points behind league leaders Liverpool.

Man City injury crisis worsens ahead of international break

Heading into the final international break of the calendar year, Man City have been hit with another dose of injury heartbreak as their campaign threatens to go off the rails.

It has been announced that midfielder Matheus Nunes - who has been playing out of position on the left flank - is not fit for selection as part of the Portugal squad.

As a result, the 26-year-old will miss his country's UEFA Nations League A matches against Poland and section rivals Croatia over the next fortnight.

Adding to Man City's fitness problems, centre-back Manuel Akanji has pulled out of Switzerland's squad after complaining of an injury problem in the lead up to the Brighton match.

The former Borussia Dortmund man was an unused substitute against the Seagulls and will now miss contests against Serbia and European champions Spain in the Nations League.

Man City are unrecognisable amid injury woes

One of the greatest club sides of the modern era, Man City are enduring a significant fall from grace in recent times due to their injury problems.

Although regarded as a top talent, the fact that 19-year-old Jahmai Simpson-Pusey started in defence for the Citizens last time out highlights the club's fitness issues.

Guardiola's bench was littered with youngsters on the South Coast on Saturday evening, including Jacob Wright, Josh Wilson-Esbrand and James McAtee.