Manchester City’s Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus has warned that there could be an increase in injuries this season due to the extra demands placed on players while Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp hit out at the Premier League over their substitutes rule.

Jesus, who has recently come back from injury, and scored in City’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, will now fly to South America to take part in World Cup qualifiers with Brazil.

“My physical condition is not the same and now I go to my international team and try to help my country and when I come back I will try to come back in good physical condition,” he said.

“That is the challenge for me, keep fit and don’t get injured because this season is going to be dangerous for players because too many games.”

The later start to the 2020-2021 season, caused by the delay in the completion of last season due to the Covid-19 pandemic, has led to a more compressed schedule, especially for teams in the Champions League.

Klopp has been vocal in his criticism of the Premier League’s decision not to stick with last year’s temporary rule allowing five instead of three substitutions.

Klopp took aim at Premier League CEO Richard Masters for failing to convince the clubs.

“It’s a lack of leadership. Richard Masters asked about it. All the other teams have to understand. It’s not an advantage, it is a necessity. We have to talk again,” he said.