Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has suggested that some of his players do not get enough 'protection' after Phil Foden was sidelined through injury.
During the final stages of the EFL Cup tie at Leicester City on Tuesday night, Foden was substituted by Guardiola and it was initially perceived that the youngster was being rested for the closing stages at the King Power Stadium.
However, Guardiola has indicated that the teenager sustained a ligament injury from a challenge with a Foxes player.
The 46-year-old told reporters: "He's injured. It's not good. It's a ligament. Could be out for a time. The referee has to be careful about diving players but they also need to protect the players."
The match in the East Midlands went to extra time after Demarai Gray went down in the penalty area under minimal contact from Kyle Walker.
Jamie Vardy converted the resulting spot kick, but City eventually progressed through to the last four on penalties.