Man City blow as star defenders Ruben Dias and John Stones ruled out of Burnley clash for Premier Le
Manchester City were forced to shuffle up their backline as Ruben Dias and John Stones were left out of their matchday squad that beat Burnley 3-0.
Meanwhile the Citizens also left new signing Josko Gvardiol on the bench for the Turf Moor clash following his £77million switch from RB Leipzig, though he did make his debut in the second half.
Pep Guardiola's side kicked-off their Premier League campaign away at Burnley with an easy 3-0 victory on Friday night, with Erling Haaland scoring twice and Rodri also getting on the score sheet.
But City were made to do it without star defenders Dias and Stones due to fitness reasons.
A club statement read: "Stones misses out through injury, while Dias is also not fully fit to be included in tonight's squad."
Pep Guardiola revealed to Sky Sports prior to kick-off that Stones has picked up an abductor injury.
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Whereas Portugal international Dias suffered a concussion in the same training session.
In their place, Manuel Akanki and Nathan Ake were the preferred centre-back pairing.
Kyle Walker kept his place at right-back, while Rico Lewis, who was struck by a lighter from a Burnley fan, was drafted in to play on the opposite side of the defence.
Guardiola made five changes from the side that lost to Arsenal in the Community Shield.
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Kevin De Bruyne came in to the starting XI, but he hobbled off after just 22 minutes.
It was unclear what his problem was, but Guardiola was taking no changes, and swiftly replaced him with Mateo Kovacic.
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