Manchester City could be without four key players for West Ham clash following fitness concern of central midfielder Mateo Kovacic during the international break.
Kovacic was part of the Croatia international squad that embarked on two European Championship qualification matches over the past fortnight against Latvia and Armenia, alongside his City teammate Josko Gvardiol.
While the latter played a part in the 5-0 victory over Latvia, as well as the 0-1 win against Armenia, Mateo Kovacic was a named substitute in both contests and failed to make an appearance from the bench.
As per the information of Croatian outlet Jutarnji List, translated and relayed by the Manchester Evening News, it is stated that Mateo Kovacic was unable to feature for Croatia in their most recent international outings due to a muscle injury in his back.
It is stated that the City midfielder may have to undergo an MRI scan and could miss 10 days of action, or longer, which would subsequently rule him out of action for the Premier League and Champions League clashes with West Ham and Red Star Belgrade respectively.
The Blues were already missing three of their key players heading into the international break.
According to Premier Injuries, Kevin De Bruyne is definitely ruled out, whilst John Stones, Mateo Kovacic and Jack Grealish are all doubtful.
Guardiola has an immensely talented group of players at his disposal. However, those four names are hugely important to the way in which his team operates.
Guardiola himself has also returned from a fitness problem, having undergone emergency back surgery in Barcelona last month which ruled him out of all Manchester City training ground and matchday duties for a period of two games.
Manchester City are flying right now, and are currently sitting at the top of the Premier League table, having taken maximum points so far, two points clear of unbeaten West Ham.
The premier league champions may well find it hard against an in-form West Ham side at the London Stadium, without many of their key players.
