Manchester City injury update: Gvardiol, Dias & Stones return dates

Manchester City are facing a growing defensive crisis after suffering multiple injury setbacks during the festive period, leaving Pep Guardiola short of options at centre-back.

Draws against Sunderland and Chelsea have already dented City’s title ambitions, allowing Arsenal to extend their lead at the top, while Aston Villa moved above City into second place. Matters were compounded further by fresh injuries to two first-choice defenders during the Chelsea match.

Below is the latest on City’s injured players and their potential return dates.

Josko Gvardiol was forced off in the 51st minute against Chelsea, appearing to suffer an ankle injury after a challenge involving Malo Gusto.

The £77m defender hobbled off and was replaced by Abdukodir Khusanov, immediately raising concern on the City bench.

Speaking after the game, Guardiola admitted the early signs were worrying, saying: “Apparently it doesn’t look good. We will see tomorrow, but I think he will be on the sidelines for a few weeks.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Ruben Dias was substituted with around 10 minutes remaining against Chelsea, making way for Nathan Ake.

The exact nature of Dias’ injury has not been confirmed, but Guardiola suggested it may be muscular and hinted that the defender felt something during the game.

Asked if it was a muscle issue, Guardiola said: “It looks like it. I didn’t speak with him or the doctor, but if Ruben is out, it’s because he felt something.”

Potential return date: Unknown

City’s problems at centre-back are compounded by the continued absence of John Stones.

Guardiola confirmed on New Year’s Eve that Stones was not ready to return against Sunderland and went further after the Chelsea game, suggesting the England international could be sidelined for months.

Guardiola said: “John is missing for I don’t know how many months. Ruben will be out, Josko will be out. Nathan, as we know, cannot play regularly, so it’s a situation. But it happened last season as well, and we will find a solution.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Savinho was ruled out against Chelsea after picking up an injury against Sunderland, further limiting Guardiola’s attacking options.

With Jeremy Doku only just returning to fitness, City were forced to deploy Tijjani Reijnders on the left flank.

Guardiola admitted the winger’s condition did not look encouraging.

Potential return date: Unknown

Nico Gonzalez was also withdrawn injured against Sunderland and did not make the matchday squad for the Chelsea game.

His absence accelerated Rodri’s return to the starting XI, with the Ballon d’Or winner playing the full 90 minutes at the Etihad.

Potential return date: January 7 vs Brighton (H)

Oscar Bobb remains sidelined with a thigh injury after being forced off early in the League Cup against Brentford.

Guardiola confirmed the youngster was unavailable for the Sunderland match and his minutes this season have been severely limited.

Potential return date: January 17 vs Manchester United (A)

Mateo Kovacic is City’s longest-term absentee after undergoing ankle surgery in November.

The midfielder is progressing well in his rehabilitation and is targeting a return around March.

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

Manchester City face a difficult short-term period defensively, with Pep Guardiola likely forced into makeshift solutions at centre-back.

With Arsenal extending their lead at the top and Aston Villa moving ahead of City, dropped points are becoming increasingly costly.

January recruitment could now be accelerated, particularly if Gvardiol and Dias are ruled out for an extended period. Internally, Guardiola may also lean more heavily on Nathan Aké, academy options, or tactical adjustments until reinforcements return.