Pep Guardiola says he considered bringing central defensive cover in to help with his injury issues in that position, but ultimately decided against it.

City have Nathan Ake and Aymeric Laporte out at the moment, and another central defensive loss would leave the champions with a major headache.

But the boss gave an encouraging update on both players – plus Jack Grealish -at his Friday press briefing.

“We thought about that (bringing in cover),” said Pep.

“But at the same time Nathan is coming back soon and then in late September/October, Aymer will be back, too.

“I am happy with that. But then maybe we wake up in the morning and think, ‘oh maybe we should have bought a central defender!’

“Nathan will be out for not much time. Yesterday he started running. 

“As for Jack, he trained alone. He feels better, but until we train, I can’t tell you - but my feeling is he won’t be ready for tomorrow.”

The boss also said Cole Palmer will have a big part to play this season.

Together: Champions Again! Episode Five

The youngster impressed against Barcelona in midweek and his versatility means he can play in several positions – edging him to the front of the Academy graduate queue.

“In his position, he is one step forward from the other ones,” said Pep.

“All the other guys could play with us, but he has a special quality.

“Last season he was injured, but now he feels good.

“He played really well in Barcelona, and he can play two, three positions for us, no problem.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s clash with Palace, Guardiola was asked how City could improve on last season’s results against the South London side.

A 2-0 home loss and a 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park meant the Eagles were the only team to stop City scoring in 2021/22.

“How? I would say not to make mistakes in first part of the process,” he said.

“They punished us. They are so dangerous on second balls and the long balls.

“After, they attack quick. They perfectly use their body, with Zaha they are so strong.

“They cope really well with spaces in the middle. Against Liverpool, was amazing they defended well, and then one action with Eze, he dribbled and set the counter-attack and then a goal.

“And this is the strength of these teams - they don’t need much.

“They know they will get set pieces - when Roy Hodgson was there they were good on set-pieces - we have to be there from the first moment.”