Manchester City injury update: Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias and John Stones latest news and return dates | OneFootball

City are in the midst of a central defensive injury crisis after latest double blow

Manchester City’s injury list is piling up as Pep Guardiola’s side look to stabilise after their Premier League title hopes took a blow over the festive period.

City were held to draws by both Sunderland and Chelsea in an unideal start to the new year, which saw Arsenal extend their lead at the summit and Aston Villa leapfrog City into second.

City were dealing with several injury worries ahead of the west Londoners’ visit, but they suffered another couple mid-match, with first-choice central defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol both withdrawn.

Here is all the latest Manchester City injury news and return dates, with Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush on international duty at AFCON in Morocco.

Josko Gvardiol

City lost their £100million defender Gvardiol in the 51st minute against Chelsea, and he appeared to be struggling with an ankle problem.

The Croat went down after a challenge on Malo Gusto, and he hobbled off to be replaced by Abdukodir Khusanov.

Post-match, Guardiola seemed worried about the former RB Leipzig man, saying that initial readings were not looking good.

“Apparently, it doesn't look good,” the Spaniard said.

“We will see tomorrow. I think he will be on the sidelines for a few weeks.”

His worst fears were realised on Monday, when City confirmed that Gvardiol had suffered a broken tibia bone in his leg.

Potential return date: Unknown

Forced off: Josko Gvardiol

AFP via Getty Images

Ruben Dias

Portuguese international Dias was sacrificed with 10 minutes to go, with Nathan Ake taking his place at the heart of the City defence against Chelsea.

The cause of his injury remains innocuous, although Guardiola said similar of Dias as he did of Gvardiol, in that things were “not good” for his two centre-backs.

“It looks like it,” Guardiola said when asked if Dias’ injury was muscular.

“I didn’t speak with him or the doctor, but if Ruben is out, it’s because he felt something.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Sidelined: Ruben Dias

Getty Images

John Stones

City’s central defensive injury crisis deepens with Gvardiol and Dias’ absences, with Stones already on the treatment table.

Guardiola said on New Year’s Eve that the England international was not ready for a comeback against Sunderland, and asserted after the Chelsea game that he would be out for “months”.

“Of course we have a lot,” Guardiola said of his centre-back injury problems.

“John is missing for I don’t know how many months. Ruben now will be out, Josko will be out.

“Nathan [Ake], as we know cannot play regularly, so it’s a situation. But at the same time, it happened last season, so we’ll stay strong and we’ll find a solution. The spirit will be there.’

Potential return date: Unknown

Savinho

Guardiola’s options off the bench were limited against Chelsea, and with Jeremy Doku only just returning to fitness himself, it left the Spaniard short on the left flank.

As such, he was forced to field Tijjani Reijnders wide left, with Brazilian Savinho ruled out.

Guardiola confirmed on New Year’s Day that the winger’s situation did not look good ahead of the Chelsea game after he was forced off against Sunderland.

Potential return date: Unknown

In tears: Savinho

AFP via Getty Images

Nico Gonzalez

The same can be said of Nico Gonzalez, who was also withdrawn hurt against the Black Cats on January 1.

The former Barcelona midfielder did not make the matchday squad for the Chelsea fixture despite Guardiola saying that he would “see” if the Spaniard was fit enough.

As such, Nico’s absence accelerated Rodri’s return to the side, with the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner playing the full 90 minutes at the Etihad Stadium.

Potential return date: January 7 vs Brighton (H)

Oscar Bobb

Young winger Bobb has seen his playtime greatly decreased this term, and that took a further hit after he was struck by a thigh injury.

The Norwegian was ruled out of the Sunderland game by Guardiola after he was taken off within 20 minutes against Brentford in the League Cup.

Potential return date: January 17 vs Manchester United (A)

Mateo Kovacic

Kovacic is City’s longest-term absentee.

The Croatian midfielder is out with an ankle injury which he had successful surgery on back in November.

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid man is progressing in his rehabilitation, and could be back in action in March.

Potential return date: March 14 vs West Ham (A)