Pep: Deadline day miss won’t hit Quad

PEP Guardiola insists the failure to land Riyad Mahrez will not be allowed to get in the way of City’s pursuit of the Quad.

The Premier League leaders missed out on a deadline day deal for the Leicester forward - leaving Guardiola reliant on Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling for goals, following injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Leroy Sane.

City were so short of options in the 1-1 draw with Burnley last week that Guardiola named just six substitutes.

But the City manager is adamant his side will have to cope and insists a repeat of the performance at Turf Moor will keep them on course for the title.

“January is the past,” said Guardiola. “Gabriel is coming back, Leroy is coming back and until then all we can do is play in that way.

“On another day, with less chances, we are going to score.”

Sane was ruled out for seven weeks after a reckless challenge from Cardiff’s Joe Bennett, and Jesus is expected to be out until at least the end of the month following knee ligament damage.

Despite still having his two leading scorers in Aguero and Sterling available, Guardiola was concerned enough to launch a late move for Mahrez last month.

Leicester’s valuation of £95m saw City drop their interest, but they could go back in for him in the summer.

Guardiola has been promised the funds to bring in a top-class forward when the transfer window reopens after missing out on Alexis Sanchez and Mahrez.

The Catalan insists he will not seek a direct rival to Aguero, but will instead focus on a versatile forward in the mould of Sanchez.

Until then, City must continue their bid to complete a clean sweep with a depleted attack.

Of immediate concern is a run of crucial games, including the resumption of the Champions League against Basel next week, the Carabao Cup final and Premier League fixtures against Arsenal and Chelsea.

Jesus may be back in contention for Arsenal and Chelsea, but Guardiola will be reluctant to risk the Brazilian, who has already seen his comeback date delayed.

Sane suffered ankle ligament damage, which was deemed serious enough for Guardiola to move for cover before the transfer window closed.

The injuries have seen Bernardo Silva used as part of a front three.