Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed defender Ruben Dias will be sidelined for “three or four weeks” after picking up an injury against Manchester United.
The 27-year-old played the full 90 minutes against United but picked up a muscular issue with 15 minutes to go, which he played through during the 2-1 defeat to their rivals.
“He’s out for a long time,” Guardiola said ahead of the upcoming clash against Aston Villa on Saturday.
“Three or four weeks – muscular issue. [He played] 75 minutes against United and felt something but he is so strong so stayed on the pitch and is now injured.”
Goalkeeper Ederson is also a doubt for the trip to Villa Park with the duo now joining the growing list of City stars sidelined with injuries, with Oscar Bobb, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji and Rodri all missing from their latest outing.
Jeremy Doku, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and John Stones are other notable names that have spent time on the sidelines so far this season, which has contributed to City’s current dip in form. Guardiola’s side have secured just one win across their last 11 fixtures.
Manchester City’s statistics with and without Ruben Dias in the Premier League this season
Akanji returns to training
Despite losing Dias, City will be boosted by the possible return of Akanji, who had missed the last three games due to a groin injury.
“Manuel is back training the last two days,” Pep continued. “The more that come back, is better. The guys are ready.
Pep Guardiola shows his dejection against Man Utd
“It is important to have everyone back to their best. When you are injured, you need some time to be at your best.”
Stones was welcomed back to the match-day squad last weekend, leaving Ake as the only other absentee in the back four after previously only having three fit defenders to face United. Rico Lewis will also return from suspension following his red card against Crystal Palace.
Guardiola: We will turn it around
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WHAT A FINISH! Highlights from the astonishing Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United
Guardiola admitted he was distraught after the late collapse against United, which has only compounded their misery across their current run but he has insisted his side will turn the situation around eventually.
“We were close to winning and we lost the game. I was not happy and had to be honest with myself,” he said when asked about the situation.
“You fall down six times, you have to stand up seven. I am fine, I am a normal person. We have to start again.
“You have to try and do it again. Sooner or later, we will turn it around. I don’t know when.”
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