Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed a major setback for his Premier League title ambitions, revealing that key defender Ruben Dias will be sidelined for four to six weeks with a hamstring injury.
Defensive Crisis Deepens at Etihad
The Portuguese centre-back was forced off during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium, adding to a growing treatment table. Guardiola delivered the timeframe at a press conference ahead of Wednesday's match against Brighton.
This news compounds a severe defensive shortage for the champions. It follows Monday's confirmation that fellow defender Josko Gvardiol is facing a lengthy absence with a broken leg. They join England international John Stones, who has been out for a month with a thigh problem.
Guardiola's Transfer Window Dilemma
The situation has forced the club to consider entering the January transfer market for defensive reinforcements. Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi is reportedly a target for the reigning champions.
Guardiola addressed the speculation, stating, "Maybe we will get something but we are not going to buy four or five players like happened last season." The City boss did confirm the club is close to signing Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.
Further depleting Guardiola's options, full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri is at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Nathan Ake is not considered a regular starter due to past fitness issues.
Stones' Persistent Problems and Squad Spirit
Guardiola expressed particular concern over John Stones' ongoing injury troubles. "He's a really important player for us and for a long time he's been injured," he said. "Last season he played few, few games and this season, apparently, it looks like the same."
Despite the absences, which also include Savinho, Mateo Kovacic, Oscar Bobb, and Omar Marmoush, Guardiola remains confident. "With the spirit that we have, always we can cope," he asserted, while acknowledging the financial impossibility of a 35-player squad.
In a minor boost, the club has recalled 20-year-old defender Max Alleyne from his loan spell at Watford to help cover the gaps. City, currently six points behind league leaders Arsenal, will need to navigate this crisis to sustain their title challenge.
