Manchester City faces a defensive crisis as Ruben Dias is ruled out for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury, joining fellow defender Josko Gvardiol on the sidelines.
Manchester City defender Ruben Dias is expected to miss four to six weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury during Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed the diagnosis on Tuesday, adding another name to a rapidly growing injury list.
The setback comes just after Josko Gvardiol was ruled out long-term following surgery on a fractured shinbone, leaving the Premier League champions severely depleted in the heart of their defense.
The timing is critical for City, who face a grueling schedule of seven matches across four competitions in just 22 days.
Guardiola currently has only two fit senior center-backs available: Abdukhodir Khusanov and Nathan Ake.
With John Stones still sidelined from a December injury, the club has been forced to recall 20-year-old Max Alleyne from his loan at Watford to provide immediate cover for the first-team squad.
Addressing the situation during a pre-match press conference, Guardiola stated: “Pep Guardiola says Manchester City defender Ruben Dias is expected to miss four to six weeks.”
To resolve the crisis, City are reportedly eyeing Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi in the January window, though they face competition from Liverpool.
For now, the thin squad must navigate a pivotal month that could define their pursuit of multiple trophies this season.