Pep Guardiola has told elite soccer players that they are the only ones who can force change in the face of a growing dispute over the number of games they are being asked to play.

Manchester City take on title rivals Arsenal on Sunday having had an extra day’s rest after the Gunners’ Thursday fixture in Europe.

Pep Guardiola admits he feels ‘so sorry’ for Martin Odegaard with the Arsenal captain set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Mikel Arteta confirmed earlier this week that his skipper’s ankle injury was ‘significant’ and it is reported that he will be in the treatment room for the next eight weeks.