Pep Guardiola was dealt a blow Thursday with Douglas Luiz being refused a work permit to play in England.
The Man City coach was hoping to use Douglas as a replacement for Fernandinho as and when required this season, but now it looks like he’ll have to go on loan at Girona or elsewhere again.
City did not bring in a player to cover for Yaya Toure leaving at the end of the season.
Pep hinted that John Stones could be used as a holding midfielder if needed, while Fabian Delph could also move back into midfielder after playing last season at left-back.