Pep Guardiola isn't thinking about the World Cup when he comes to Manchester City selection decisions, despite the presence of the tournament throwing uncertainty into this season's calendar.
City have nine more games before the season halts for the tournament in Qatar in November and December and most of the Blues squad will be in action in the competition. Riyad Mahrez and Erling Haaland won't be going, with Algeria and Norway failing to qualify, and Haaland is one of two outfield players to have started every game this season.
But Guardiola isn't thinking about the World Cup when it comes to selections, insisting the national teams wouldn't be thinking of clubs in a similar situation. He addressed the issue in his latest press conference.
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"I don’t think selection is affected by the World Cup, the national trainers will decide, they don’t think of us so we don’t think of them," he said. "Tomorrow we will decide [against FC Copenhagen], [we] have to speak to players, doctors, physios and decide what’s the best.
"Yeah – it’s true that the last 25 or 30 minutes is when fatigue is increased and risk of injuries but we’ve been lucky to score goals in first half and early second. Last games are good as everyone has played minutes and when we need them they will be ready and we need them.
"Every game is different, the players can handle 90 minutes, I like it when everyone can be involved, reach the best level, I like it. we have this weapon of five subs but sometimes I won’t use it, sometimes I will."
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