Manchester City will be without Rúben Dias for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury, deepening Pep Guardiola’s defensive injury crisis and prompting the manager to hint at transfer activity. The club are considering a bid for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi and are close to finalising a move for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who is due for a medical on Thursday after City agreed to pay his £65m release clause.
Dias and Josko Gvardiol, who suffered a broken shinbone, were forced off during Sunday’s draw with Chelsea, leaving City with only 13 fit senior outfield players ahead of Wednesday’s visit by Brighton. Academy graduate Max Alleyne has been recalled from a loan at Watford to bolster central defensive options temporarily.
Gvardiol, who required surgery, is unlikely to play again this season, while John Stones has no confirmed return date from a thigh injury. Stones, who has missed 59 games for club and country in the last 18 months and is out of contract in the summer, may not be offered fresh terms. Guardiola indicated that the defender’s injury record over the past two seasons would determine the club’s decision.
Despite the challenges, Guardiola remained confident, stating, “With the spirit that we have, always we can cope. We are not going to buy four or five players like last season.” He added, “We’ll see about a transfer; we will be creative and find some solutions.”
