Pep Guardiola has delivered a worrying injury update on two key defenders, casting a shadow over Manchester City's immediate Premier League prospects. Both Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias were forced off during City's frustrating 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, and the manager fears they will be absent for the upcoming fixture.
Defensive Duo Forced Off in Chelsea Stalemate
The match, which saw a managerless Chelsea snatch a dramatic point through Enzo Fernandez's 94th-minute equaliser, proved costly for the hosts beyond the dropped points. City had taken the lead via Tijjani Reijnders' second goal in three league games, but the late concession was compounded by the loss of their central defensive pairing.
Gvardiol was the first to depart, substituted after 51 minutes following a challenge with Chelsea's Malo Gusto. The situation worsened in the 81st minute when Ruben Dias also had to be withdrawn. Guardiola confirmed both changes were due to injury, not tactics.
Guardiola's Grim Prognosis Ahead of Brighton
Speaking after the final whistle, the City boss offered a pessimistic assessment. "We will see tomorrow, it doesn't look good with him (Gvardiol) and Ruben so we'll see what happens," Guardiola stated in his post-match press conference.
When questioned on the nature of Dias's issue, he indicated a muscular problem: "Yep, looks like it. I didn't speak with him or the doctor, but if Ruben is out, it's because he felt something." The timing is far from ideal, with City set to host Brighton at the Etihad in just three days' time, and Guardiola strongly suggested the pair would miss that encounter.
Deepening Defensive Crisis for City
The potential absences of Gvardiol and Dias exacerbate an existing injury problem in City's backline. The experienced John Stones is already sidelined with a long-term issue. Guardiola turned to Abdukodir Khusanov and Nathan Ake as replacements against Chelsea, but options are now severely limited.
"Of course, we have a lot (of injuries at centre back)," Guardiola admitted. "John Stones 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."
Despite the setback, the manager struck a resilient note, recalling past challenges: "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."
The draw leaves Manchester City six points behind league leaders Arsenal, but Guardiola refused to be drawn on the wider title implications. His focus is purely on recovery and the next game: "Wednesday [against] Brighton and we'll see. Step by step. I don't have a crystal ball... Only thing is recover the players and Wednesday [against] Brighton."
