Pep Guardiola: Man City boss says 40-man squads needed to cope with schedule but clubs would go bankrupt

14 February 2025, 15:56 | Updated: 15 February 2025, 10:03

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes 40-man squads could be the only way to cope with the demands of the football calendar but says it would drive clubs to bankruptcy.

City are one of many sides, including Tottenham and Arsenal, to have been dogged by injuries this season, with defender Manuel Akanji the latest player to be sidelined following news of a season-ending hamstring injury to Kai Havertz.

Akanji is facing up to 10 weeks out after rupturing his abductor during Tuesday's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid. Guardiola feels the injuries affecting so many sides are a direct consequence of football's ever-expanding schedule.

"I always expect injuries during the season. Not as much as we've had, but it's not just a problem for Man City," said Guardiola ahead of City's Premier League clash with Newcastle on Saturday.

• Transfer Centre LIVE! | Man City news & transfers