Alan Hutton has insisted it is unfair for Pep Guardiola to complain that his injury-prone Man City players are unreliable.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa right back said injuries are “part and parcel” of football but he understands Guardiola’s frustrations.
As quoted by Manchester Evening News (16 October), the City boss bemoaned John Stones’ injury problems and how he is unable to play consistently.
Guardiola added that he is a “big fan” of rotating players in order to give everyone game time.
The Sky Blues are currently missing Stones, Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker through injury.
All three were left out of the matchday squad in the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday (16 October).
As quoted by the Manchester Evening News (14 October), Walker said that he is feeling “better” than expected and is “well above” where he thought he would be in his recovery.
When asked if it is unfair for the manager to complain about players’ injuries, Hutton told Football Insider. “Of course but I understand, from a manager’s point of view you want your best players fit for every single game.”
“But that very rarely happens. A player does not go out and ask to get injured, or have a career where they are injury-prone.
“Everybody wants to play football. It is kind of part and parcel of the game, it is just unfortunate that some players tend to pick up more than others.“