Manchester City defender Ruben Dias is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks due to a hamstring injury. The injury occurred during Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium. This setback adds to the challenges faced by City manager Pep Guardiola, as fellow defender Josko Gvardiol confirmed on Monday that he will undergo surgery for a fractured shinbone, which may keep him out for the remainder of the season.
Dias was forced to leave the pitch in the final ten minutes of the match against Chelsea, shortly after Gvardiol’s own exit. In a press conference held on Tuesday, Guardiola provided clarity on Dias’s recovery timeline, indicating that the club will need to adjust quickly in light of these injuries. With two senior centre-backs available, City faces a demanding schedule, featuring seven matches across four competitions over the next 22 days.
In the interim, Abdukhodir Khusanov and Nathan Ake are poised to fill the defensive roles. Adding to the team’s difficulties, John Stones remains unavailable due to an injury sustained in December. The club has taken steps to bolster its defensive options by recalling 20-year-old Max Alleyne from a loan at Watford. Sources indicate that Alleyne is currently regarded as the third-choice centre-back at Manchester City.
Looking ahead to the January transfer window, Manchester City is reportedly interested in acquiring Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. However, they face competition from Liverpool for the defender’s signature. There is also an understanding between Palace and Guehi that the England international is likely to see out the remainder of his contract and leave the club as a free agent at the end of the season.
As Manchester City navigates this challenging period, the impact of injuries on squad depth will be a critical factor in their performance across domestic and international competitions. The next few weeks will test the resilience and adaptability of Guardiola’s squad as they seek to maintain their competitive edge.
