Injuries are a challenge not a disaster - Pep | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says his players are ready for the challenge of trying to secure Champions League football for next season despite an injury-hit campaign.

City welcome Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday 12 April, at 12:30 (UK) as we chase a place in Europe’s top competition next season.

Defenders Manuel Akanji, John Stones and Nathan Ake have all missed matches in recent week along with striker Erling Haaland and long-term absentee Rodri.

Asked if any any of those players will be back to face the Eagles, Guardiola said: “[They are] still injured, yeah still injured we’ll see.”

But the City boss said they cannot dwell on the injury problems with his players hungry to secure a place in the Champions League.

Results in midweek means that the top five clubs in the Premier League will qualify for the competition but Guardiola says it will still be a big battle to the final day of the season despite the extra spot.

WATCH: Memorable moments: City v Crystal Palace

“[Injuries] happened all season, we adapt,” he added.

“You can see it as a problem or a challenge, the position is a disaster or it could be worse.

“I’m happy with the way we handled the situation and where we are.

“The challenge is to qualify in the Champions League next season, the home games, difficult ones we have and tomorrow we have a team in incredible  top form in the last month or two months.

“Always it’s difficult with Palace here, I admire a lot the manager (Oliver Glasner) and way they play, the talent and physicality there are no doubts. But we have to be optimistic to finish well this season.”

With injuries stretching the squad, Guardiola was asked about more players when the summer transfer window opens.

While the focus remains on finishing the campaign strongly, he added that the size of City's first-team will not change dramatically.

“I don’t know what will happen [in the summer]," Guardiola said.

"Of course the Club is working but we won’t have 45 players in the squad, it’s not sustainable for the emotion of the team.

"Except Kevin [De Bruyne], they all have a contract and we will see how they behave, how we are. We’re going to see."