Pep Guardiola faces a severe injury crisis as key defenders Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias join John Stones on the sidelines, leaving Manchester City’s title charge vulnerable ahead of their midweek fixture against Brighton.
Manchester City’s Premier League title defense faces a significant hurdle after defenders Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias were forced off during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
Gvardiol suffered an apparent ankle injury early in the second half, while Dias was withdrawn late with a suspected muscular problem.
Following the late equalizer from Enzo Fernandez, Pep Guardiola admitted the outlook for his central defensive duo “doesn’t look good,” with both expected to be sidelined for several weeks.
The double blow leaves City in the midst of a full-blown defensive crisis, as John Stones remains unavailable with a long-term injury.
Guardiola revealed that Stones could be missing for “months,” further depleting a backline already missing Rayan Ait-Nouri to AFCON duty.
With Nathan Ake unable to feature in every match, City may be forced to rely on academy graduates or emergency signings to stabilize a defense that has now dropped four points in two games.
Beyond the backline, City’s squad is stretched thin with Savinho, Oscar Bobb, and Mateo Kovacic also out of action.
While midfielder Nico Gonzalez is nearing a return for the midweek clash against Brighton, the lack of depth was evident as Guardiola named four academy players to his bench against Chelsea.
Reflecting on the challenge ahead, Guardiola stated, “It happened last season, so we’ll stay strong and we’ll find a solution. The spirit will be there.”