Manchester City suffer injury blow as Benjamin Mendy is ruled out of Cardiff clash

Manchester City will be without full back Benjamin Mendy against Cardiff City on Saturday after manager Pep Guardiola said he has a "bone injury" in his foot.

Mendy missed City's surprise 2-1 defeat by Olympique Lyonnais in the Champions League on Wednesday and was also sidelined for the victory over Fulham last weekend.

"He is injured. I don't know (how long he'll be out). He has a little problem in his ankle, his foot," Guardiola said.

It was later confirmed that Mendy has damaged his fifth metatarsal, although how badly was not known.

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City, who are also without Kevin de Bruyne (knee), will be anxious to get back to winning ways after the hiccup against Lyon and Guardiola is expecting a physical challenge against Neil Warnock's promoted Cardiff side.

"Premier League is physical. Not just Cardiff. I realised that when I arrived, " Guardiola said. "Cardiff has a way to play and we have to adapt."

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Image credit: PA Sport

Guardiola played down any suggestion that the early-season demands on his players, most of whom played at the World Cup, had contributed to the Champions League setback.

"It's always difficult. Last season we did almost everything well," he said. "We can't forget what we've done.

"You have to be able to handle it. Most went to the World Cup, most went to the international break. It is what it is."

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