Manchester City hit with Ruben Dias & Josko Gvardiol injury blows

This centre-back duo is set to miss a large period of season.

Manager Pep Guardiola has stated that Manchester City will be missing defender Ruben Dias for a maximum of six weeks. Due to a hamstring injury, the centre-back had to leave Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League tie with Chelsea.

The announcement follows the confirmation on Monday that Josko Gvardiol, a fellow defender, will have to miss a significant amount of time due to a broken leg.

After breaking his leg during the weekend’s Premier League match with Chelsea, Joško Gvardiol will have surgery. However, he seems certain that the injury won’t keep him from playing for Croatia in the 2026 World Cup.

City’s defence is left fragile

A few minutes into the second half at the Etihad Stadium, Gvardiol hobbled off the field with assistance from Chelsea captain Reece James. On Monday, it was announced that the defender’s right leg had sustained a tibial fracture.

They are now part of a significant list of absences from the Etihad Stadium, along with another centre-back, John Stones.

“It’s hamstring, four to six weeks,” Guardiola said for Dias at a press conference to preview Wednesday’s clash with Brighton.

Due to their defensive shortage, City may try to recruit Marc Guéhi, the centre back for Crystal Palace, in January. Guehi’s contract at Crystal Palace expires at the end of the current campaign. This is the same defender who nearly joined Liverpool in the summer.

City are still close to acquiring Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth after stating that they will activate the £65 million [$88 million] release clause in his deal.

“Maybe we will get something [in January] but it’s completely different,” said Guardiola. “We are not going to buy four or five players like happened last season.”

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