Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes the Premier League's hectic festive schedule is 'killing' star players

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Pep Guardiola claimed the Premier League is ‘killing’ its stars as the Manchester City manager called for changes to the festive schedule.

Kyle Walker appeared to be struggling with a knock towards the end of victory over Watford on Tuesday night and Guardiola branded the treatment of players ‘not normal’.

City had to contend with two games in three days, leaving their boss with serious questions for the authorities.

Pep Guardiola has slammed the Premier League's festive schedule and said it's 'killing' stars

Kyle Walker appeared to be struggling with a knock towards the end of their win over Watford 

‘How many injuries the players have in the last weeks - we're going to kill them,’ Guardiola said. ‘The federation has to reflect. It's not normal guys.

‘This is not basketball, it's not tennis - players need recovery. See how many players get muscular injuries in that period but the show must go on.

‘They make a lot of anti-doping to control us (but) we don't protect the players. Everyone is in this business for the players. Not for you, not me, for the performance of the players.

City star Gabriel Jesus has been ruled out for around six weeks with medial ligament damage

‘Here in England we don't protect them. You can play every three, four or five days but not every two days.

‘I'm not saying change the amazing thing on Boxing Day but you cannot play at midday at Selhurst Park and then come back two days later.’

West Brom made a formal complaint at their fixture pile-up, while Guardiola saw Gabriel Jesus ruled out for around six weeks with medial ligament damage.

‘We have a lot of staff to take care of them but the schedule doesn't protect them,’ he added. ‘Tradition is tradition but think about it a little bit. They are artists. They are the reason why we are here.’

Marco Silva claimed after the loss: 'We've a lot of injuries. It's really hard for the players.'

Marco Silva agreed with the Catalan, adding: 'We are here to respect the culture. It's important for the fans. We've a lot of injuries. It's really hard for the players.'

Guardiola also revealed that Kevin De Bruyne made the decision to return after being on the end of a serious kick by Crystal Palace’s Jason Puncheon.

‘Kevin went out to prove he could play,’ he said. ‘He had pain but wanted to play. If he wants to play, I'll let him play.’