Pep Guardiola Faces Player Shortages Ahead of Crucial Carabao Cup Clash

Manchester City's manager, Pep Guardiola, confronts the challenge of key player absences for the League Cup quarter-final against Brentford. Injuries and international duties will force him to rely on less experienced players and academy talent, while also managing a hectic December schedule.

Manchester City will face Brentford in the quarter-final of the League Cup without several crucial players, as highlighted by manager Pep Guardiola on Tuesday. Star forward Jeremy Doku is out with a leg injury that also kept him from Sunday's victory against Crystal Palace. Guardiola hinted at Doku's potential return in the New Year.

In addition to Doku, City will miss John Stones and Rodri due to injuries, with Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri away for the Africa Cup of Nations. Guardiola emphasized the importance of capitalizing on this opportunity to reach the semi-finals amid player shortages.

Goalkeeper James Trafford will replace Gianluigi Donnarumma, while Guardiola plans other changes to manage the packed December schedule. With a Premier League match against West Ham soon after, City aims to balance crucial cup aspirations with their pursuit of league leaders Arsenal.

(With inputs from agencies.)