It might seem that Pep Guardiola has misunderstood the five substitutes rule. In each of Manchester City’s last two games, their manager has only put five outfield players on the bench. Perhaps the paradox of Guardiola is that the manager who appears to be granted the greatest resources looks to have the fewest footballers.
And if a shortage is explained by injuries, there are six absentees: more than usual at the Etihad Stadium, fewer than at some clubs where the bench is still rather more crowded. Of those six, Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish should not be sidelined for long. Kevin De Bruyne has already been out for longer than City expected and Guardiola is not sure when he will be back. Kyle Walker also looks increasingly injury-prone. Oscar Bobb is yet to play this season. Rodri will not play again in it.
