Manchester City are without a quartet of key players for Saturday’s trip to face West Ham.

Jack Grealish pulled out of England duty with a thigh issue while John Stones was also absent for the international period, and Pep Guardiola has confirmed both are unavailable this weekend with their participation for the following Champions League clash against Red Star Belgrade also in major doubt.

Mateo Kovacic missed Croatia’s matches due to a fresh issue that reportedly required a scan. Although it was suggested that his absence from Monday’s win over Armenia was merely a precaution, he has been ruled out of facing West Ham.


“It's not a big issue but he’ll be out for tomorrow,” said Guardiola as he confirmed a muscle injury for Kovacic.

New signing Matheus Nunes is an option to make his debut in the starting XI as a result.

Man city to draw or lose

I smell Draw Soup.