Manchester City skipper Kyle Walker has revealed that the team will not be taking a break on Christmas Day, instead focusing on their usual training session to prepare for their Boxing Day Premier League clash against Everton.

Amidst a season of struggling form, this decision reflects the team's commitment to regaining momentum after a series of underwhelming performances. Their most recent setback came with a narrow 2-1 loss to Aston Villa on December 21, further emphasising the need for intense preparation as they face a struggling Everton side.

Manchester City players have had Christmas Day off during previous campaigns. However, the current schedule, combined with their inconsistent results, has prompted a stricter approach. The defending champions are keen to use every available opportunity to rectify their issues on the field, particularly with defensive lapses and midfield inefficiencies coming under scrutiny.

"We're gonna train on Christmas Day this season, we've got Everton at 12:30 on Boxing Day...But the last couple of seasons we've had Christmas Day off, which has been very nice," Walker said.

The upcoming Boxing Day fixture against Everton is crucial for City's Premier League campaign. Everton, battling to avoid relegation, will view the game as an opportunity to secure much-needed points, ensuring that City must be at their best to secure a victory.

with tough clashes against Leicester City and West Ham United also on the horizon in January. The congested football calendar has increased the stakes for Guardiola's side, who now find themselves under pressure to close the gap at the top of the league table.

Criticism surrounding the demanding football schedule this season has been widespread, but City's commitment to training through the festive period highlights their determination to overcome their challenges. Christmas Day for the squad will not be about celebration but about working towards reestablishing their dominance in the league.

With several key players needing to find their rhythm and the team looking to avoid further slips in form, this unusual approach could be pivotal in their quest to maintain their status as one of England's top teams.