Man City share a spoil with Brighton and Pep rest his players for FA and Champions League Finals

Pep Guardiola says that Phil Foden and John Stones were taken off during the 1-1 draw with Brighton as a precaution.

Foden, who was one of only four outfield players to remain in the starting line-up from Sunday’s 1-0 win over Chelsea, claimed his 15th goal of the season to open the scoring at the Amex Stadium, but was replaced five minutes into the second half.

Stones was also replaced late in the second half with fellow central defenders Manuel AkanjiAymeric LaporteRuben Dias and Nathan Ake missing the trip to the South Coast along with Jack Grealish.

“Phil had a knock in the first half and problems in his leg and the doctor told me that in this position, it is dangerous so we don’t take a risk but Phil was exceptional in the first half,” Guardiola said.

“John felt a little tight but he didn’t feel anything and is fine, he told me, but we didn’t want to take a risk because we had just one central defender with John.

“The others are injured so hopefully they can recover as soon as possible.”

Guardiola said that several players have niggles which the City physios are helping the players to recover from after a hectic schedule over recent weeks.

“We have an incredible staff with our physios – without them, it would not be possible,” he added.

“Because we sustained no injuries for a long time I don’t know what happend but the moment we get near the Champions League final, four or five players get little niggles – important ones and we have to recover them.

“We had to play a strong team against Brighton because you can play 90 minutes in your own box and I didn’t want that.”

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