Pep Guardiola has explained why Kevin de Bruyne was an unused sub in their FA Cup loss to Liverpool on Saturday evening.
The dependable midfielder picked an injury in midweek against Atletico Madrid, making him doubtful for the Wembley clash.
Speaking after the match, Guardiola said he did not want to risk the Belgian ahead of the of the end of season run-in.
“He still had four stitches in his right foot when he hit the ball,” Guardiola explained at his post-match press conference.
“He could walk and run, but the ball was disturbing him and at the end if he plays and opens up two or three stitches maybe we lose him more.
“Of course, Kevin was happy in the condition and could play maybe from the beginning because he feels fit, maybe to play in the second half, but I didn’t want to take the risk to lose him, in case it opened up the injury again or got an infection.
“That’s why I took that decision. When you play a lot of games and tough ones, these situations can happen.”
Liverpool scored three goals in the first half to potentially kill the game, before two consolation strikes in the second half from City.
Guardiola acknowledged injuries played a part in his decision not to make maximum changes in the second period.
“Kevin could not play, Kyle could not play, but it is what it is with the season we have,” he added.
“We have the situation, but it is what it is. We play a lot of games and we don’t have the biggest squad.
“When everyone’s fit it’s okay, but if there’s a few injuries it’s not enough.
“Riyad was fit, Rodri [too]. The other ones there were problems.
“Fernandinho played amazing, Bernardo and Joao and I think Gabriel was playing good and Raheem was playing good, that’s why sometimes you don’t do it.
Up next for City is a home tie against Brighton, on Wednesday night.
