Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini wants to beat Arsenal in today's Community Shield.
Arsenal's trio of World Cup winners Per Mertesacker, Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski are also unavailable having been given extra rest after their triumph in Brazil.
Although acknowledging there will be a considerable number of high-profile absentees, Pellegrini is adamant the contest will be more than just a glorified friendly.
"Of course it is not a friendly match," the 60-year-old said.
"It is an important game against an important team in Arsenal.
"Maybe both teams do not arrive in our best moment because both have a lot of players who are just getting back after the World Cup.
"But I think it will be a very good game, it is important for both teams to try to win it, and we will try to do that."
