David Silva, Manchester City playmaker, could miss more games over 'family' issues

David Silva, Manchester City playmaker

Manchester City could be without David Silva again, with Pep Guardiola insisting the Spaniard’s family must come first.

Silva played only his second game since mid-December in the 3-1 win against Watford on Tuesday night, with personal issues keeping him out of much of the Christmas schedule.


He was outstanding on his return, but Guardiola confirmed the Premier League leaders could have to do without the playmaker again in the coming weeks if he has to travel back to his homeland.

“We are very happy David is back, we don’t know how long, but he made another exhibition,” said the City manager. “He’s essential, he showed how important he is for us.

“He’s free to stay or leave, it depends. He wants to stay because he enjoys it, but family is the most important thing in life.

“It doesn’t matter if we drop a lot of points, I’d never push him.

“Some days he will be here some he will be out, it depends how his family is.”

Silva’s absence will add more pressure on City as Guardiola continues his pursuit of an unprecedented quadruple.

Gabriel Jesus is set to miss four to six weeks with knee ligament damage, while Kyle Walker will undergo test for a groin issue suffered against Watford.

It prompted Guardiola to hit out at the football authorities in this country for the workload placed on players over the festive period.

City have played 10 times in the space of less than a month - and take on Burnley in the FA Cup on Saturday.

“What everyone saw in the last weeks is how many injuries the players have,” he said. “We are going to kill them.

“The bosses have to reflect. It’s not normal to play on the 31st and two days later.

“I know the show must go on, the manager is here or another one, that is not normal, they have to control it.

“They don’t protect the players, they are the people we come to watch - not the managers or the press conferences, or us.

“Here in England you don’t protect the players, you have to look for the quality not the quantity.

“I’m not saying change Boxing Day, but you cannot play at 12 at Selhurst Park. The people celebrate New Year’s Eve, but are thinking about the game two days later.

“People say it’s impossible. It’s not basketball or tennis - the players need recovery.

“Just see how many players have muscular injuries.

“The show must go on, but the schedule does not protect the players.”