Bernardo Silva said Manchester City’s increasing injury problems were the reason for the English champions’ dramatic collapse after they failed to record a win for the eighth time in nine games in a 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace.

City had to make up twice at Selhurst Park through Erling Haaland and Rico Lewis after Daniel Munoz and Maxence Lacroix had put 16th-placed Palace ahead.

Lewis was subsequently sent off, meaning he is suspended for next weekend’s derby against Manchester United, adding to Pep Guardiola’s defensive woes.

Defenders John Stones, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji were all missing through injury, while midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Rodrigo are also out.

Phil Foden, last season’s Premier League Player of the Year, has missed the last two games through illness but could be back in action against United.

“We have to solve our injury problem. This is so, so important,” Silva said. “When the squad is so small, it is always very difficult for all the players to play three days after three days.

“We have no pity for ourselves and we still have to fight. Of course we have to fight with what we have at the moment. But with a squad of 20 players, if you only have 13 available, that’s not good enough.” “

Five of the seven outfield players on City’s bench against Palace were youngsters from the club’s academy.

City face a crucial game against Italian giants Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday before turning their attention to the derby on December 15.

Guardiola said he was “proud” of his players’ efforts to find the determination to salvage at least a point despite their struggles to get into top form.

“So proud of the team. I liked everything about the team, how we fought,” said the City boss.

“We have big problems with our team. We fought incredibly. We came back twice. We gave everything and got a point.”

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