Manchester City had just two days' rest after their brutal draw with Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester City are set to play two games in less than 48 hours due to Manchester United's Europa League commitments. Pep Guardiola's men earned a 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday when John Stones' 98th-minute goal earned the team a point in a fierce title fight.
The reigning Premier League champions now turn their attention to a Carabao Cup clash against Watford on Tuesday night, their second game in three days. Rather than the preferred Wednesday fixture, the game has been brought forward due to United's game against Dutch side FC Twente as part of the revamped Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League fixtures.
The Mirror reported that UEFA had refused to move the Twente game, despite Manchester United's next league game not being until Sunday. The clubs were therefore left with no choice but to comply with Greater Manchester Police's decision not to allow the two games to be played on the same day due to security concerns, a situation not seen since October 2015.
Ironically, the clash comes just a week after Manchester City's Rodri expressed concerns about the players' intense workload. Concerns over player welfare and the busy European schedule have even led to talk of a possible players' strike.
“I think we are close to that,” Rodri said ahead of Sunday's game against Arsenal. “It's easy to understand. I think it's something general. I think if you ask any player, they will tell you the same thing.”
The Spain midfielder, who faces an uncertain period on the sidelines after injuring his knee against Arsenal, added: “I think that's the general opinion of the players. And if it stays that way, there will be a time when we have no other choice, I really think, but we'll see. I don't know what's going to happen, but it's something that worries us because we're the guys who are suffering.”
Pep Guardiola furious after City's home draw against the Gunners (Image: talkSPORT)
Drawing on his personal experience, Rodri highlighted the unsustainable nature of current demands: “From my experience, I can tell you that 60 to 70% of the demands are ongoing. [games a season]? No. Between 40 and 50 games, that's the number of games a player can play at the highest level. After that, we fall because it's impossible to maintain the physical level.
“This year we can go up to 70, maybe 80, I don't know. It depends how far we go in the competitions. In my humble opinion, I think it's too much.”
Manchester City bosses are unsure how long they will be without Rodri, although it is certain he will miss the clash against the Hornets. However, there are fears the Ballon d'Or contender could miss the rest of the season after initial scans indicated an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1952436/manchester-city-arsenal-watford-fixtures-carabao-cup