Manchester City defender Ruben Dias is set to be sidelined for approximately four to six weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained during the team’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea on October 29, 2023. The injury adds to the challenges facing City manager Pep Guardiola, particularly after defender Josko Gvardiol confirmed he will undergo surgery on a fractured shinbone, potentially keeping him out until the closing weeks of the season.
Dias exited the pitch in the final ten minutes of Sunday’s match at the Etihad Stadium, shortly after Gvardiol was also forced off due to his injury. Guardiola addressed the media in a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, confirming the expected recovery timeline for Dias. The absence of these key players leaves Manchester City with only two fit senior centre-backs as they prepare for a demanding schedule of seven matches across four competitions over the next 22 days.
With both Dias and Gvardiol out, Abdukhodir Khusanov and Nathan Ake are likely to step in as the primary defenders. Additionally, John Stones remains unavailable due to an injury sustained in December 2023. In light of these injuries, City has recalled Max Alleyne, a 20-year-old defender, from his loan at Watford. Sources indicate that Alleyne is now viewed as the third option in the centre-back role at the club.
As Manchester City navigates this challenging period, they are also exploring options to strengthen their squad. Reports suggest that the club is interested in Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace during the January transfer window. However, the club faces competition from Liverpool for the player’s signature. Furthermore, there is an understanding between Guehi and Palace that he will likely remain with the club until the end of the season, leaving as a free agent.
The upcoming fixtures for Manchester City will test the depth and resilience of the squad, with Guardiola aiming to maintain their competitive edge despite these setbacks. The club will be keen to ensure they secure results during this critical stretch, especially with multiple titles on the line.
