“It’s been stressful” – Josko Gvardiol opens up on watching Manchester City’s title race from sidelines | OneFootball

Josko Gvardiol has lifted the lid on his own personal emotions whilst watching Manchester City from the sidelines since January, owing to a leg fracture sustained in the draw with Chelsea.

Gvardiol’s injury occurred at a pivotal moment in Manchester City’s campaign, forcing Pep Guardiola to shuffle his defensive pack during the most congested part of the schedule, and leaning more on the growth of Nico O’Reilly.

In Gvardiol’s absence, O’Reilly shared the burden at left-back with Rayan Ait-Nouri, helping City maintain their pursuit of a second domestic cup and another Premier League crown, whilst enabling the England international to venture forward into midfield and start matches simultaneously with the Algerian.

Josko Gvardiol’s unexpected return to the starting XI on Wednesday night provided a much-needed boost to Manchester City’s backline as they entered the final week of the season.

His presence adds further physicality and technical security to a defence that could be tested away at Bournemouth on Tuesday night and potentially against Aston Villa on the final matchday of the Premier League campaign next weekend.

Gvardiol: “I took it as a challenge”

Speaking to reporters after Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, and Josko Gvardiol’s first start for the club since he faced Chelsea in January, the Croatian opened up on watching his teammates in the Premier League title race whilst sidelined.

“It’s been stressful. Really stressful. It’s even more stressful when you are sitting on the bench, or behind the bench in the stands because you know that you cannot do much,” he said.

“Now, once I’m back with the team, I know that every time I get an opportunity, every time I come on, I have to give my best. So I would say now it’s easier to handle the pressure, you know.”

Reflecting on his four-month injury recovery process, Gvardiol said, “I thought that it was going to be longer, but I think four months is more than enough. It’s normally between four and six months. As you can see, I’ve worked really hard.

“I’m happy that I’ve been through that process of rehab, whatever it is. I took it as a challenge, something new in my career. I’m going be ready for the World Cup. The timing of the injury means I might feel fresher.”

Title ambitions and the FIFA World Cup in focus

The timing of Josko Gvardiol’s return is ideal for both club and country, and with the 2026 World Cup in North America fast approaching this June, the defender’s return to match fitness ensures Zlatko Dalić will have his defensive lynchpin ready for his side’s group-stage opener.

For Manchester City, his availability for their upcoming monumental Premier League showdowns with Bournemouth and Aston Villa will offer a huge boost as the sky Blues hope for an Arsenal slip-up amid slim hopes of winning a ninth league title.

Pep Guardiola has often emphasised the importance of rhythm in the closing weeks and having a full strength squad to aid rotation, and having a fresh Gvardiol back in the fold offers flexibility that was perhaps missing during a gruelling phase since January.