Pep Guardiola has expressed concern over injuries to key defenders Josko Gvardiol and Rúben Dias sustained during Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday. Gvardiol was forced off after 51 minutes, while Dias followed half an hour later. The City manager stated he would learn the severity of the issues on Monday.
The injuries compound an already stretched squad, with John Stones already sidelined and Nathan Aké unable to feature regularly. Guardiola acknowledged the depth of the crisis, noting that the bench against Chelsea featured four academy players. He said: 'Have you seen the bench today? Four players from the academy and now we will have more. We don't have players.'
Midfielder Rodri made his first start since 5 October but may not be ready to face Brighton on Wednesday. His deputy, Nico González, is also a doubt after going off at half-time against Sunderland. Long-term absentee Mateo Kovacic remains out, and Savinho is another concern.
City led through a Tijjani Reijnders strike just before the break, but Enzo Fernández equalised late on. The result leaves City six points behind Arsenal. Guardiola said: 'Wednesday is Brighton and we see – I don't have a crystal ball to know what will happen.'
