Pep Guardiola says he will be forced to put his Manchester City squad in cold storage over Christmas in the hope of avoiding injuries after accusing the Premier League and television broadcasters of showing scant regard for the welfare of players.

City have been left seething over the scheduling of their festive fixtures, which will give them less than 48 hours to prepare for the game at home to Sheffield United following a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Dec 27.

Omar Berrada, City’s chief operating officer, also criticised the Premier League this week for threatening the “sporting integrity” of the competition amid fears the fixture list plays into the hands of title rivals Liverpool.

Jürgen Klopp’s side will have longer to prepare between games than City and will also face a Wolves side on Dec 29 who are faced with a quicker turnaround following their game against the champions.

Now Guardiola has waded into the debate and is especially concerned that the hectic Christmas programme will increase the risk of injury among his players, who will be instructed to take ice baths post Wolves.

“Since I came here every season it’s happened the same, the broadcasters are the bosses in this situation,” Guardiola said before Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace. “We don’t protect the players. The system does not protect the players. It’s too much, honestly it’s too much. One other day we will have more recovery than the other teams so it is what it is. Maybe the broadcasters are fans for some clubs.”