Manchester City drew 2-all yesterday with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The result saw City drop two points with the draw. It was evident during the game that City’s [fighting spirit](https://esteemedkompany.com/2024/12/08/if-nothing-else-the-fight-is-still-there-in-this-manchester-city-squad/) is still there. But what was also evident was the toll City’s injury situation is taking on their fit players. It was a point not lost on Manchester City workhorse Bernardo Silva. He made a more than valid point following yesterday’s game at Selhurst Park.
In an interview published on [mancity.com](https://www.mancity.com/citytv/mens/bernardo-post-palace-citytv-reaction-pl-7-dec-63869175) Bernardo Silva explained that the world champions need their injured players to return sooner rather than later. He also went into detail about the toll City’s injury situation is having on their fit players. He explained: “_We have to do better, we have to solve our problem in terms of injuries. If the squad is this short then it is always so difficult for all the players to play three days after three days. Of course, we don’t feel sorry for ourselves and have to fight anyway. Of course, we have to fight with what we have at the moment. But with a squad of 20 players, if you only have 13 available, it is not good enough. For the schedule we have right now, it is not good enough. We have to make an effort as a team to recover the players as quick as possible._”
#### Bernardo Silva’s point is a valid one and it cannot be overlooked.
The point made by Bernardo Silva is a valid one. City’s squad is now stretched to a perceived breaking point. They entered yesterday’s match with only 14 fit first-team players. Two of those are goalkeepers Ederson and Stefan Ortega. Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Phil Foden, Mateo Kovacic, Rodri and Oscar Bobb were all unavailable for yesterday’s match. That’s an untenable situation for the Manchester City squad to face.
Obviously, missing key players is a blow for Pep Guardiola’s side. But the demands placed on City’s fit players is becoming an issue. Players such as Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Jokso Gvardiol, Rico Lewis and Erling Haaland are playing more than they should. To their credit, they are doing all they can to keep Manchester City afloat. But their workload is way to heavy to continue. Eventually the toll will be paid by them for the amount of football they are playing. That’s just the nature of the game.
Perhaps Pep Guardiola’s side is paying the price for having such a small squad. That topic will likely be looked at in the January transfer window and at seasons end. But the point Bernardo Silva made is a valid one. But the only way out of it is if City get players back from injury. The hope is that that can happen this week. Manchester City need their players back on the pitch before the squad is stretched past breaking point. They are already at that point now.