Pep Guardiola has revealed David Silva could miss Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford through injury.
Guardiola has left Silva back at Manchester City’s CFA training complex for treatment on a niggle he picked up just before he scored his fantastic winner against West Ham on Sunday.
The City boss refused to say what the injury was, but claimed he was a doubt to face Manchester United.
“David had a little problem in the last few minutes,” said Guardiola. “We made a test after the game and I don’t know if he will be able to play on Sunday.
“Before the goal, he felt something and he is not able to play tomorrow against Shakhtar Donetsk.
“That’s why he has stayed to recover in Manchester. The other players are all here.”
Guardiola will hope Silva can recover and he is such a key player for City, who have reeled off a record 20 straight wins.
The Spaniard also revealed City did no try to sign Lionel Messi before he penned his new deal at Barcelona.
Spanish newspaper Marca claim City offered Messi an eye-watering £70million plus a £44million-a-year salary to come to the Etihad.
Guardiola, who enjoyed huge success with Messi at Barcelona, rejected the claims and says his good friend will finish his career at the Nou Camp.
“No, it’s not true,” said the City boss. “Lionel Messi signed a contract a week ago, it was never going to happen.
“Lionel Messi started his career at Barcelona and he is going to finish it there. If he wanted to leave, he would not have signed a new contract.”