Dias, Gvardiol sidelined as Manchester City face defensive crisis

Ruben Dias has been sidelined for up to six weeks, while Josko Gvardiol is out for “a long time” as Manchester City battle a growing defensive crisis.

City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed this on Tuesday.

The injuries could persuade the club to bring in reinforcements in the January transfer window, with Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi understood to be on City’s radar.

City announced on Monday that Gvardiol was facing a lengthy lay-off with a tibial fracture to his right leg he suffered in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, on the eve of City’s home game against Brighton, Guardiola confirmed the depth of the crisis in central defence, with John Stones also sidelined.

Guardiola disclosed that Dias had injured his hamstring and would be out of action for “between four and six weeks” while he did not put a timescale on Gvardiol’s return.

Referring to Stones, Guardiola said: “He is not ready for the next games. Of course, he’s an important player for us for a long time and he was injured for a long time last season. This season looks the same.

“He’s trying a lot and trying everything, but he’s not fit.”

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To add to the defensive problems, Rayan Ait-Nouri is at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and Nathan Ake, after a number of fitness issues in recent years, is not considered a regular option by Guardiola.

City, who trail Premier League leaders Arsenal by six points, are also without Savinho, Mateo Kovacic, Oscar Bobb, and Omar Marmoush through either injury or international duty.

Guardiola suggested City could bring in reinforcements this month, with the club believed to be close to a deal for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.

“Maybe we’ll get something, but it’s completely different. We are not going to buy four or five players like last season,” he said.

Guardiola added that he was confident City could deal with player absences, saying: “With the spirit that we have, we can always cope.”

The Star