Another blow for Pep Guardiola’s Man City as Ruben Dias became sidelined.
image credit: Fabrizio Romano
Manchester City’s hopes of reclaiming the Premier League title have suffered another major blow as defender Ruben Dias is set to miss at least four league matches due to a muscle injury.
This setback comes during a challenging period for Pep Guardiola’s side, who have struggled for form in recent weeks.
Dias’ absence compounds City’s injury crisis, with key players like Rodri, Kevin de Bruyne, Nathan Ake, and Manuel Akanji already sidelined.
Rodri’s season-ending ACL injury has particularly disrupted City’s midfield balance, while the lack of consistent defensive options has left Guardiola scrambling to adjust his tactics.
Key Fixtures Without Dias
Guardiola confirmed that Dias would be out for three to four weeks, ruling him out of crucial Premier League fixtures against Aston Villa, Everton, Leicester, and West Ham. The Portuguese center-back will also miss the FA Cup third-round clash with Salford City.
City currently sit fifth in the Premier League, three points behind Arsenal in third, seven adrift of second-placed Chelsea, and nine points behind league leaders Liverpool.
The absence of Dias, a cornerstone of their defense, could further derail their campaign if results don’t improve.
A Slump in Form
The defending champions have endured a torrid run of just one win in their last 11 matches across all competitions.
This slump has seen them exit the Carabao Cup, face the brink of elimination in the Champions League, and slide down the Premier League table. Guardiola has admitted the team’s recent struggles are due in part to the spate of injuries affecting key players.
The Road Ahead
While Dias is expected to return by mid-January, potentially in time for City’s clash with Ipswich Town and their Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain, his immediate absence leaves a significant gap in the defense.
Guardiola must now rely on alternative options in his squad to navigate this critical period.
With the title race heating up and City already trailing the pack, every point is crucial. The upcoming fixtures will be a stern test of City’s resolve and depth as they aim to recover and keep their title hopes alive.