Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has suggested that some of his men have played too much football in recent weeks after his side lost 2-0 at Stoke City.

City never recovered from falling two goals behind after just 15 minutes at the Britannia Stadium, and while Pellegrini was disappointed with the performance, he feels that injuries to several of his players has hindered their chance of success in all competitions.

The Chilean is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "We had a lack of reaction, too many games for the same players.

"We defended very badly but we also had not too many chances to score. We are playing with 13 players in all competitions. It was a defeat.

"I always miss important names, but you have to play with the players you have. We must continue with the same 11 or 12 players, We wait for the medical report."

Defeat for City was their fourth in 15 league games this season.