Pep Guardiola drops Manchester City rotation hint ahead of Champions League opener

Pep Guardiola could look to rotate his squad when Manchester City begin their Champions League campaign against Sevilla next week.

The Premier League champions make the trip to Spain off the back of a frustrating 1-1 draw by Steven Gerrard's well-drilled Aston Villa side.

Erling Haaland maintained his incredible start to life in England by netting for the 10th time in his debut Premier League campaign early in the second half before Leon Bailey salvaged a point for the hosts at Villa Park with 15 minutes left on the clock.

Manchester City were however handed a favour by rivals Manchester United on Sunday as Erik ten Hag's men halted league leaders Arsenal's perfect start to the season with a 3-1 victory at Old Trafford.

City have a chance to go top of the table when they welcome in-form Tottenham to the Etihad Stadium next weekend before Arsenal host Everton the following day.

In his seventh season as Manchester City manager, Guardiola will be keen on making a strong start to his side's European campaign as the Blues search for a maiden Champions League crown.

Jack Grealish returned to training prior to the Aston Villa draw and was amongst the substitutes as City were held for the second time in the Premier League this season.

Kalvin Phillips was spotted in first-team training on Monday morning and looks set to play his first minutes after injuring his forearm against Barcelona last month.

Kyle Walker was not involved in training ahead of the game and it appears the England international is set to miss the group-stage opener against Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.

The games are coming thick and fast for the Premier League champions, who are again looking to compete on all fronts after retaining the league title for the second time under Guardiola last season.

Guardiola will be looking to maintain squad fitness as best as possible and keep his players fresh for the upcoming games, which could see him rotate his pack in Spain on Tuesday evening.

Speaking ahead of the Champions League clash, the Catalan said: "I’m not thinking far away. Now, (the question) is how many players we have available for Sevilla, then after Tottenham.

City have made a positive start to their title defence and remain unbeaten six games into the new season, having also played out a 3-3 draw against Barcelona in a charity friendly at the Camp Nou in August.

Guardiola added: “(We are taking it) step by step, I’m not thinking much. We will see.”

The game in Seville could also see Manuel Akanji, who joined City for a reported fee of £15 million from Borussia Dortmund on deadline day, make his debut in sky blue.

The Swiss centre-half missed City's recent league clash against Aston Villa following the birth of his second child on Friday.

Guardiola feels Akanji is in line to travel with squad to Seville. The 51-year-old said: "He feels good. He couldn’t be here (against Aston Villa) because he had a baby born, so congratulations to him, his wife and family.

“(But) he is ready, he came back really well from Dortmund. He’s trained one day. (On) Friday afternoon, he flew to his wife. I think today (Saturday) or tomorrow (Sunday) he is coming back to Manchester.”