Manchester City’s manager Manuel Pellegrini has blamed the congested Christmas fixture list for deepening injury crisis. The Chilean expressed his disgust over ‘too many’ matches played in during the Christmas period and believes that it could take a toll on Manchester City, given the amount of injury the Citizens have suffered, in recent weeks.

Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero and Stevan Jovetic are already facing lengthy lay-offs due to injury. Skipper Vincent Kompany and Edin Dzeko have also joined the injury list, in recent times. Dzeko, was injured in a pre-match training session, minutes before Manchester City's clash against Leicester City. Pellegrini, pointed fingers at the club’s congested fixture list, as a reason for enduring so many injuries.

“I think the players play too many games during the year, especially the players of big teams because when they have an international break they must continue for their national squad,” he said. “Last year I remember playing nine games in December and nine games in January, it is difficult for the players to keep the high pace because in the Premier League the intensity of every game is very high.

“I understand Boxing Day is important for English football, but Boxing Day is on December 26, I don’t know why we have to play the 28th and 1st January. Maybe we could play Boxing Day and one game more on the 30th before the end of the year. So one of the reasons may be that they play too many games, especially at the end of the year. Maybe it can also be the pitches are too hard, and a bit of bad luck. It is difficult to know exactly.”

With Edin Dzeko, Sergio Aguero and Stevan Jovetic out with injuries and teenage Pozo, not the answer to Manchester City’s goal scoring worries,as showcased against Leicester City, Pellegrini could turn to midfielder James Milner, for providing a makeshift Center Forward.

 ”Milner can be an option and I have always said he is a very useful player for the squad. Maybe at some moments he wants to play more but whenever he plays in different positions, Milner is important.

“That is why we keep him here and it is important he renews his contract with our team. Because inside and outside the pitch he is important to us.”

Meanwhile, Manchester City concluded business as usual against Leicester City, as they defeated the foxes 1-0. A customary Frank Lampard goal in the 40th minute swayed all three points to Manchester City’s kitty. Manchester City meanwhile maintained their gap of three points with league leaders Chelsea FC, who sit comfortably with 39 points.