Rico's red adds to woes as Pep urges City to 'rise to the challenge'

SEVEN players missed City's draw at Crystal Palace.

- JOE BRAY

Two more could only play a small role at the end. And then another integral player picked up an unhelpful suspension.

It's fair to say that everything that can go against City is going against City this season. They will take on United next weekend with just three senior defenders available.

One of those captain Kyle Walker - is desperately out of form, and Pep Guardiola has admitted all of his squad are struggling with fitness. The draw at Palace moved City to within eight points of Liverpool, but they have gained a game in hand. And this week's trip to Juventus has turned into a must-win for their Champions League knockout chances.

But Guardiola looked a beaten man as he delivered a desperate injury update for the coming weeks, let alone the two upcoming clashes against Juventus and United.