Manchester City confirm leg fracture sustained by Josko Gvardiol | OneFootball

Josko Gvardiol has sustained a tibial fracture in his right leg, the club have confirmed in a statement on Monday evening.

The confirmation brings clarity to the concerns raised immediately after Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Chelsea, when Pep Guardiola admitted post-match that the Croatian defender’s injury “didn’t look good”.

Josko Gvardiol had been forced off during the second half at the Etihad Stadium, adding to an increasingly problematic injury list within Manchester City’s defensive unit.

That match had already carried significance in the title race, with a late Chelsea equaliser denying City a crucial victory and further widening the gap to leaders Arsenal. However, the long-term ramifications of Gvardiol’s setback now appear to outweigh the immediate frustration of dropped points.

Guardiola has been grappling with limited options at the back for some time. John Stones remains sidelined, Nathan Aké continues to be carefully managed, and Ruben Dias also picked up an issue during the same Chelsea contest.

Now, in a statement issued by the club on their official website and media channels, the initial extent of Josko Gvardiol’s injury has been outlined to supporters.

The statement read, “Manchester City FC can confirm that Josko Gvardiol has suffered a tibial fracture to his right leg.

“The injury was sustained during the second half of Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League.

“The defender will have surgery later this week and assessment remains ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the injury and expected prognosis.

“Everyone at the Club wishes Josko a speedy recovery.”

In response to the growing defensive shortage, Manchester City have already moved decisively by recalling Max Alleyne from his Championship loan spell at Watford, with club officials pleased with the youngster’s development and minutes at Vicarage Road.

Beyond internal solutions, attention could also turn back to the transfer market, with City having maintained a watching brief on Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, and a potential January move discussed as a way to reinforce Guardiola’s back line.

With Josko Gvardiol set for surgery and no definitive return date yet established, the coming weeks will test City’s depth and strategic planning. How Guardiola balances short-term fixes with longer-term recruitment could prove decisive in shaping the remainder of the season.