Pep Guardiola has been dealt a double blow after ruling Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne out of Manchester City’s trip to Chelsea. Aguero has missed City’s last two games with muscle tightening and was desperate to prove his fitness ahead of the Premier League game at Stamford Bridge.

Guardiola revealed he is not ready for Saturday, however, after City refused to risk a more serious injury. The champions all still without De Bruyne with a knee problem. ‘Both cannot play tomorrow,’ Guardiola said before claiming both will return soon.

‘It’s always difficult at Stamford Bridge. I’ve been there a few times and won once. Normally I lose. They have a good side. You see the bench who don’t play regularly and who are excellent players. They’re a real contender.’ City remain unbeaten in their title defence and Guardiola again warned against complacency.
‘Basically thinking it’s not necessary to improve: that’s the most dangerous thing. I don’t care about going unbeaten, it’s not important. We are consistent every three days. It’s a big compliment for the players, I tell them every day. But at Watford, at 2-0, we were not the best side. We can do many things better. Tomorrow is a huge demanding test. How is our behaviour against big teams? How are we going to react? We’ll focus 100 per cent. I can imagine how intense, aggressive and committed they will be after two defeats. We have good signals but it’s about the next challenge. When you arrive in December or January, be calm if you win or lose.’