Manchester City may be without defender Josko Gvardiol and midfielder Mateo Kovacic for their Champions League match against FC Copenhagen, as both were missing from Monday’s open training session.

Kovacic was not part of City’s squad that won 2-0 against Everton at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, while Gvardiol was an unused substitute. Both players were not part of the group that trained on Monday ahead of Tuesday night’s round of 16 clash against the Denmark side.

It’s unclear how long both players will be out for, although any injury is a blow to City as they are currently embroiled in a Premier League title fight with Arsenal and Liverpool. Sergio Gomez also looked to be absent from the session.

Man City are favourites to win against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday, despite a goalless draw at the Parken Stadium in the group stage last season. “They had a group against Bayern Munich, against United, against Galatasaray, they go through one of the toughest groups,” said Guardiola.

“Manuel [Akanji] suffered the lack of rhythm and John [Stones] a bit, second half they felt better. When they move inside last season was incredible, now it is not so fluid. Why? They were injured and when you are injured you don’t have the rhythm you need.

“How they run, how they train every day, how they compete, it is still there. We won all the games in the Champions League. The team I have the feeling they still want it and as much as we want it, it will be a problem for the opponents.”