Man City team news: Guardiola admits double injury blow ahead of Brighton clash

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed that he is facing injury issues ahead of their Premier League opener.

The Citizens travel south to take on Brighton today, kick-off is scheduled for 17:30 (GMT).

The Spanish tactician will be unable to call upon summer signing Benjamin Mendy. The French full-back joined City for £49 million over the summer transfer window but has struggled with a thigh injury.

Meanwhile, Ilkay Gundogan will also miss today’s clash. The midfield playmaker has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury last December.

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“No [Mendy and Gundogan are not fit],” Pep Guardiola told reporters during the pre-game press conference

“I think soon [they will be back] but not for this game.

Guardiola also stated that he expected a tough game against Brighton.

“My experience of being a manager, always the beginning of the season the new ones are the toughest ones.”

“We spoke and I saw last season how tough is this league. The teams that arrive, in the first four, five, six games they are so complicated. But we try to win the game.”

Guardiola will be hoping to improve upon last season’s third placed finish. The Citizens have signed Mendy, Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva, Ederson and Danilo this summer.

Meanwhile, the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Enes Unal, Nolito, Fernando and Joe Hart have left the club.