Manchester City captain Kyle Walker and Jack Grealish have missed the matchday squad for today's Premier League clash with Everton.
Walker was on the bench after Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa before replacing the injured John Stones at half-time.
But this time he is not even in the squad as City look to end their run of nine defeats in the last twelve games.
He is joined on the absentee list by Grealish, who played the full 90 minutes against his former club when he was booed by Villa fans on Saturday.
City have stated that Walker is unwell, while Grealish is not match fit.
It's a double blow for Pep Guardiola as his team sit in seventh place heading into this afternoon's match.
He already has to make do without star midfielder Rodri, while Stones, Ruben Dias, Ederson and Matheus Nunes are also currently on the treatment table.
Guardiola has admitted that the Premier League champions are looking to enter the transfer market next month to strengthen their squad.
“If we can, we have to add players,” Guardiola told Amazon Prime Video ahead of the Boxing Day match at the Etihad.
“We're struggling at the back, in the middle. That said, I don't know if it will happen because the winter transfer window is not easy. But everyone is aware. I think even the players are asking, “We're going to add some players, please!?”
There is good news for City as Nathan Aké makes a welcome return to the starting line-up, with the Dutch international joined by Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji and Josko Gvardiol in defence.
Bernardo Silva will captain the team in Walker's absence, and Guardiola has picked Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic to play alongside him in midfield, with Savinho, Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland making up the front three.
After an injury campaign, Kevin De Bruyne is alone on the bench, while Ilkay Gundogan is also only one of the substitutes.
A win for City at the Etihad would take them into the top five before their rivals play later today or tomorrow.
However, it is unlikely to get past Everton given their current form and the Toffees' recent resilient performances.
Sean Dyche's side have held title contenders Arsenal and Chelsea to goalless draws in their last two games.
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