INJURIES THREATEN TO DERAIL PEP'S CITY

Guardiola vows to fight on, but off-field distractions could also add to his headache

LONDON - Pep Guardiola finds himself in unusual territory as he tries to work out how to turn things around at Manchester City after a surprise slump following eight years of almost unbroken success.

His side's 4-1 Champions League loss to Sporting Lisbon on Nov 5 was a third straight defeat for the English champions - the first time that has happened since 2018.

Midfielder Bernardo Silva said the side were in a "dark place" after losing against Tottenham Hotspur, Bournemouth and Sporting in three different competitions.

Guardiola had a more optimistic outlook, pledging to "fight and not give up". But what are some reasons for City's recent struggles after a strong start to the season?

INJURY CRISIS

When Guardiola confirmed in late September that midfielder Rodri would miss the rest of the campaign with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, it felt potentially seismic.

City's squad are packed with talent but Rodri is the man who makes them tick - he is on a personal unbeaten run spanning 52 Premier League fixtures.

In October, the 28-year-old won the Ballon d'Or award in recognition of his achievements with City and Spain.