Rico Lewis’ suspension adds to John Stones, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji’s absence, leaving the City boss to mull over his options for Sunday’s Manchester derby.
While Ake and Stones seem a while off returning, there was hope Akanji might recover in time for the weekend, but Guardiola says that is unlikely.
“Manu has discomfort in the area for the pelvis, abductor,£ said Guardiola.
“It doesn’t feel good but he made an incredible effort playing in Bournemouth. Him and Nathan weren’t even half at their best and helped to play there.
“He plays 45 minutes and after had to step back and say ‘I have to recover or I can’t compete’.
“Manu is a strong player and so reliable but in that moment he cannot be there.”
Asked if any of his players were playing with injuries at present, the boss replied: “Kevin is coming back, last game was better than the previous ones - he’s been two months injured, five months last season, step by step.
“Erling played all the minutes which is unbelievable. Without him, I don’t know where we would be.
“All of them. Honestly, it’s so emotional from my point of view when I see them in the recovery time and time spent in this period.
“It’s remarkable and I’m there with them, I told them ‘you are good guys, you play good’. It’s a difficult situation but we have to accept it.
“I have to analyse a little bit more than just the results. With these players, I want to be here, I want to stand close to them, not behind or in front, beside them.
“This is what I want to do.”
There was no further update on Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden’s availability, but as they both were named as subs for the midweek Champions League clash with Juventus, it is likely they could feature against Manchester United at some stage.
