Manchester City receive Josko Gvardiol fitness update amid Arsenal title race battle | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol could return to action before the end of this season as his PR manager dismisses concerns over recovery setbacks.

City’s domestic treble run-in has been defined by fine margins, where the availability of key players and overall squad depth often decide the results.

With that in mind, information about Gvardiol’s fitness has carried additional importance, especially due to his versatility and him being an important part of Pep Guardiola‘s defensive unit.

The Croatia international has remained sidelined since January after undergoing surgery for a fractured tibia. Initially, this injury raised concerns about his club and international commitments. Early medical evaluations from Croatia revealed that he was recovering steadily and there was hope that he would be ready for the FIFA World Cup.

However, reports from England have recently questioned whether Gvardiol would be available for Manchester City in the treble run-in. Gvardiol’s PR manager Stipo Dubravac has offered some insight into the defender’s rehabilitation process and present condition.

“We understand the public interest and the articles that have appeared in the English media,” Dubravac said in conversation with Sportske Novosti, as relayed by Sport Witness. “As you can see, during this period Josko (Gvardiol) is not appearing in public or posting on social media.

“He is extremely motivated and focused on getting back on the field and being available to the club, and especially the national team. Even when he was on his time off and came to Croatia, he had his official physical therapist with him and worked on his recovery every day.

“Everyone who knows him will tell you that his level of professionalism is fascinating. As always, the most important thing is for him to be fully fit and healthy. He has worked his entire life, sacrificing and fighting to be at the highest level and play for his country.”

For Guardiola, a return for Gvardiol in the final weeks of the campaign could be a timely boost. Manchester City and Arsenal are locked in battle for the Premier League title. With a month left in the season, the ability to rotate players and choose appropriate defensive options based on each opponent could be crucial.

Gvardiol’s versatility has been an important resource to Manchester City since his arrival from RB Leipzig in 2023. He can play centrally and in wider defensive roles, thus allowing structural changes at different points in the game as required.

His ability to progress the ball swiftly and defensive awareness are especially useful in a system that requires precision in build-up. Whether he features before the end of the season remains subject to his fitness level and managerial discretion.

Guardiola has historically prioritised full recovery over early returns, especially during high-stakes periods. For City, that distinction could yet prove crucial in the closing weeks of the season.