Man City injury latest: Foden concern, Dias return plan, Nunes update

Manchester City’s difficult start to 2026 continued on Saturday lunchtime as a damaging Manchester derby defeat was compounded by yet another injury scare.

City fell to a 2–0 loss away at Manchester United — their first defeat in 13 matches across all competitions — and the fallout has extended beyond the result itself. With Phil Foden emerging as a fresh concern, Pep Guardiola is facing an increasingly complex fitness situation at a critical point in the season.

Despite recent progress in domestic cup competitions, City’s Premier League momentum has stalled, and a congested fixture list now threatens to expose a stretched squad. Upcoming league clashes with Wolves and Tottenham, combined with two Champions League fixtures, leave little margin for error.

Here is the latest on City’s injury situation and expected return dates.

Phil Foden was substituted at half-time during the Manchester derby after landing awkwardly on his hand.

Initial reports suggested the midfielder may have suffered a fracture, but Guardiola moved quickly to downplay those fears when questioned post-match.

“No, I don’t think so,” Guardiola said.

While the incident will continue to be monitored, there is optimism within the club that Foden has avoided serious damage and could be available for City’s upcoming European fixture.

Potential return date: 20 January vs Bodø/Glimt (A)

Matheus Nunes was a late withdrawal from the starting line-up against Manchester United after falling ill, with Rico Lewis stepping in at short notice.

The absence further strained Guardiola’s defensive options, but the issue is not expected to sideline Nunes for long. He is expected to rejoin the squad in time for the Champions League trip to Norway.

Potential return date: 20 January vs Bodø/Glimt (A)

Joško Gvardiol has been unavailable since City’s home match against Chelsea after sustaining a reported tibial fracture.

The club initially confirmed that surgery would be required, but updates since have been minimal. Guardiola recently acknowledged the severity of the situation, offering little encouragement over a short-term return.

“Without John, without Ruben, without Josko, we’re in a difficult situation defensively — not for one game, but for a long period,” Guardiola said.

Potential return date: Unknown

Rúben Dias was withdrawn late on against Chelsea earlier this month and was later diagnosed with a hamstring injury.

Although Guardiola initially described the issue as “not good”, there has been more positive noise surrounding Dias’ recovery in recent days. The defender is expected back in the coming weeks if rehabilitation continues as planned.

Potential return date: 11 February vs Fulham (H)

John Stones remains one of City’s longest absentees, having not featured since the dramatic 5–4 win over Fulham at the start of December.

Guardiola previously suggested the defender could be sidelined for “many months”, but more recent comments have hinted at cautious optimism.

Potential return date: Unknown

Savinho has been out since the goalless draw with Sunderland on New Year’s Day.

The winger is dealing with a quadriceps injury and has been ruled out for at least six weeks, further limiting City’s attacking rotation.

Potential return date: February 2026

Nico González endured a frustrating start to the year, picking up an injury against Sunderland before briefly returning against Brighton.

He has since missed further matches, with Guardiola confirming last week that the midfielder has not fully recovered. A return is now being targeted for the upcoming Champions League fixture.

Potential return date: 20 January vs Bodø/Glimt (A)

Oscar Bobb was forced off early in the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Brentford and has not featured since.

Although a return was initially hoped for ahead of the derby, Guardiola confirmed the youngster had yet to resume full training.

Potential return date: 1 February vs Tottenham Hotspur (A)

Mateo Kovačić is City’s longest absentee after undergoing ankle surgery in November.

The midfielder is progressing through rehabilitation and remains on course for a spring return.

Potential return date: 14 March vs West Ham United (A)

City face a demanding run of fixtures across domestic and European competitions, with fitness management now central to Guardiola’s plans. How quickly key defenders return may define whether City can stabilise their league form and maintain momentum on the continental stage.

Can Manchester City weather this injury storm and stay competitive on all fronts, or will absences continue to derail their season?