Manchester City, often heralded for their squad depth, finds themselves in an unusual situation. Pep Guardiola recently highlighted a concerning reality: the club might only have 13 fully fit players. This statement follows a series of injuries that have plagued the team, impacting key players across positions. For a club with aspirations as high as City’s — competing for the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups — the timing couldn't be worse.

Injuries to players like Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, and John Stones have forced Guardiola to constantly tweak his lineup and play young or less experienced players in high-stakes situations. Though City’s depth is substantial, relying on a smaller pool of players over a busy schedule can lead to fatigue and performance dips. For example, their defense has been more vulnerable without Stones, and De Bruyne's absence has undeniably reduced their attacking creativity. 

Guardiola’s remarks reflect the pressure of navigating a season with multiple injuries while maintaining peak performance. The demanding schedule of English football, compounded by European competitions, means that even a squad as talented as City’s struggles without full resources. While they have the skill and resilience to stay competitive, the next few weeks are critical. Fans, management, and players alike will be holding their breath, hoping for no more setbacks. If more injuries arise, even City’s formidable strength could be severely tested, leaving fans to wonder, "Are we really in trouble?"

'I think we are in trouble' - do Man City really have just 13 fit players?

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