Pep Guardiola gives surprising response when asked if Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne will return to Man City lineup against Crystal Palace after being rested in midweek

Haaland and De Bruyne missed out on the Phil Foden show entirely when City took on Aston Villa, as the defending Premier League champions cruised to a comfortable 4-1 win. With a trip to Selhurst Park fast approaching, boss Guardiola has provided a rather gloomy update on the duo's availability.

Speaking to the media ahead of the trip to London, Guardiola said: "I don't know yet, we just played a couple of days ago. I have to think about that."

Guardiola knows that the spectacular goal-creating and goal-scoring duo of De Bruyne and Haaland will be crucial for the direction the club's season will head with City alive and kicking in all three competitions. However, due to their fitness concerns over the past couple of months, the Spanish manager will likely use the duo cautiously to keep them fit for the Champions League mainly.

The defending Premier League champions will head to London to take on Crystal Palace on Saturday, April 6 as they look to close down the gap to Liverpool in the league title race.