Pep Guardiola says Manchester City will have to field several youngsters against Wycombe Wanderers as the club continues to struggle with injuries.
Aymeric Laporte, John Stones, Rodri and Oleksandr Zinchenko all missed Saturday's Premier League clash with Southampton, as City were held to a goalless draw at the Etihad.
Guardiola has revealed midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is also a doubt to face Wycombe in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday and admits he will need to use academy players in the third-round match.
"I don't have any alternative… we are going to play a few young players," Guardiola said.
"We have John (Stones), Aymeric (Laporte), Oleks (Zinchenko), Rodri and I think Gundogan all of them injured.
"It's a good opportunity for the academy - that's why they are there."
After facing Wycombe, City take on Premier League leaders Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and then Liverpool within the space of nine days.
Guardiola says he will look to rotate some of his key players against the League One side, with one eye on the trip to Stamford Bridge on September 25.
"Some players might rest for the games we have coming up ahead of us," he added.
"Ruben (Dias) played all of the minutes so far and Joao (Cancelo) played all of the minutes, too, so I don't think they will be able to play in this game."
dukaikmstz
442
pliz.. pep give.. Delap.. a chance pliiiiiz...I'm sure he will perform better dan Sterling.....
Hozbcdou
409
this EPL guys it's not Serie A Budesliga or League 1 where you expect one team to win the league every season no! we did great job in last 5 winning 3 premier league 5 league cup one FA cup and reaching the Champion League wow I know this league it will be tougher but who does that!!!???💪💪💪💪 for life
Hozbcdou
207
it's time for your coaches to show how good they are!!! Pep is one of the best coach in the world right now! in 5 season he managed to win 3 premier league,4 league cup,1FA cup and reaching the Champion League Last season who does that!!!?? in the premier league the best league in the world