Pep Guardiola is praying Manchester City can avoid injuries as he does not believe Premier League players are ready for the frantic return from the coronavirus suspension.

'Project Restart' will come to fruition on Wednesday evening when Aston Villa host Sheffield United before Arsenal head to the Etihad Stadium in the first English top-flight matches in 100 days.

Former assistant Mikel Arteta's side will provide an interesting test for Guardiola, who is juggling a variety of challenges as City prepare for a chockablock schedule that will to be followed by the Champions League.

"Of course what we see in Germany, especially, and in Spain  as well, the local teams have less influence to win games. This is normal.

"When you play at home with the support for your team, always they are these extra minutes, extra passion or extra momentum that they help you to have.

"This is not going to happen, that is why we have to adapt and just focus on what you have to do.

"Play a game and of course try to take advantage of these next games to finish second and qualify for the next season for the Champions League."

Guardiola spoke about a variety of subjects at his first press conference since mid-March, from praising the NHS and focusing on Kyle Walker's on-field actions, to the possibility of a post-match bottle of wine with Arteta and his new assistant Juanma Lillo.

The City boss brushed aside questions about his future and Kevin De Bruyne but confirmed David Silva would extend his City contract to take in the extended season before leaving a club great.

"He will stay until the end of the season," Guardiola said.

"It is unfortunate he is going to finish his last games here without people, but he is coming back – and hopefully himself, the club can have a real farewell in front of people."