Pep Guardiola confirms major four-player Manchester City injury blow ahead of Sheffield United clash

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that four players will miss Saturday’s Premier League clash against Sheffield United.

The treble-winners have the opportunity to move to within two points of league leaders Liverpool with a win over Sheffield United this weekend, as Manchester City conclude the calendar year at the Etihad Stadium against the Blades.

Pep Guardiola’s side are searching for a second consecutive Premier League victory after a vital win over Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday, courtesy of second-half goals from Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez and Bernardo Silva.

Manchester City’s comeback win on Merseyside was just their second in seven Premier League games, with the Sky Blues recently stalling in their pursuit of a fourth successive league title.

Sheffield United, who recently re-appointed Chris Wilder, have won just two matches this season and are seven points adrift of safety, after a woeful start to their latest top-flight campaign.

City beat the Blades 2-1 at Bramall Lane in August, as Rodri’s late goal smashed the Blues back into the lead just three minutes after Jayden Bogle’s surprise equaliser.

Erling Haaland was also on scoresheet that afternoon, however the Norwegian is one of four Manchester City players to be ruled out of this weekend’s fixture, with the 23-year-old continuing to recover from a foot injury.

Belgian duo Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku also remain sidelined, however there is hope that De Bruyne could play his first minutes in the new year, with an FA Cup clash against Huddersfield Town potentially providing an opportunity to return from a long-term injury.

John Stones will also miss Saturday’s match due to the ankle injury sustained during the first-half at Everton, Pep Guardiola confirmed.