Pep Guardiola admitted the absence of three first-team stars has scuppered Manchester City’s chances of a rare perfect pre-season.
Phil Foden, Ilkay Gundogan and John Stones are all out in Croatia with the club’s Under-23 team after failing to meet America’s entry requirements for two tour friendlies.
While Guardiola insisted the trio will be ready for the start of the campaign, he had hoped for a full compliment as they prepare for a second consecutive title defence.
‘It’s disappointing, I would like them to be here,’ Guardiola said.