Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted he may need to rely on more academy players to bolster the bench after Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias were forced off with injuries during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

City conceded a stoppage-time equaliser, marking their second consecutive draw and allowing title rivals Arsenal to extend their lead to six points after 20 games.

“We’ll see tomorrow regarding Gvardiol, but it doesn’t look good for him or Ruben,” Guardiola told reporters. “I haven’t spoken with the doctor yet, but if Ruben is out, it’s because he felt something.

“Have you seen the bench today? Four players from the academy, and now we’ll need even more. We simply don’t have players available.”

The injury issues come on top of an already stretched defense, with John Stones sidelined for the past six games due to a thigh problem and Nathan Ake also battling fitness concerns.

Despite the setbacks, Guardiola expressed confidence in his squad’s resilience. “After what happened last season, if we stay strong we will find a solution, and the spirit will be there,” he said. “If the spirit is there, we will be there.”