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Pep Guardiola has likened his role to that of a parent as Manchester City navigate a demanding fixture list and a few niggling injuries complicating matters.
City have endured a relentless run, overcoming Manchester United and Napoli before conceding a stoppage-time equaliser in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Arsenal.
That result stretched their unbeaten run to three matches in all competitions, a welcome response after back-to-back defeats prior to the international break.
The holders of no major silverware last season, Guardiola's men now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup, where they face League One side Huddersfield Town away in West Yorkshire on Wednesday. Squad fitness, however, is a growing concern.
Erling Haaland, withdrawn in the 76th minute at Arsenal with a back problem, will not feature in midweek. Guardiola remains hopeful the striker will return in time for Saturday's Premier League clash with Burnley.
Abdukodir Khusanov was forced off at half-time against Arsenal, while Rayan Cherki and Omar Marmoush remain sidelined. Rayan Ait-Nouri is also a doubt with a knock.
"First comes the spirit we have shown this week and you have to take care of this like a father and mother takes care of their sons," Guardiola said.
"We can be a stable team and step by step when injured players come back we will learn for what we can do better.
"Gigi (Gianluigi Donnarumma) will get better and James (Trafford) will get better and the team will grow up."
