The Premier League champions are set to be short on options at the back when they arrive at Santiago Bernabeu next week

Pep Guardiola has addressed Manchester City’s defensive crisis ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid next week, with Kyle Walker and John Stones both doubts for the heavyweight clash.

City earned a 4-3 victory over Madrid in the first leg of their last-four tie, thanks to goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva.

Walker was absent due to an ankle injury, while the Premier League champions conceded two of Madrid’s three goals after Stones hobbled off with a knock, and Guardiola is not sure whether he’ll be able to count on either man at Santiago Bernabeu.

The City boss has confirmed that Walker and Stones will both miss their next Premier League outing at Leeds on Saturday.

Fernandinho filled in at right-back against Madrid at the Etihad Stadium and could be asked to play that position again at Elland Road and in the Spanish capital next week.

“I don’t know right now [whether Kyle Walker will play again this season],” Guardiola said at a pre-match press conference.

“He’s injured – unfortunately for all of us and him especially – but I don’t pay attention. He has to work to come back as soon as possible. I am focused on the rest of the players.