Manchester City’s defensive depth has taken another serious hit at a crucial stage of the season, with Ruben Dias becoming the latest first-team regular to be sidelined. Pep Guardiola’s side is already juggling multiple absences, and the loss of their defensive leader further complicates matters as the Premier League title race begins to tighten.
With key fixtures coming thick and fast, Manchester City are now facing uncomfortable questions about squad depth, short-term solutions, and whether the club will be forced to act in the January transfer window.
Ruben Dias’ injury compounds defensive crisis for Manchester City
Manchester City will be without Ruben Dias for up to six weeks after the centre-back suffered a hamstring injury during Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw against Chelsea. Dias was forced off during the match, and manager Pep Guardiola later confirmed the severity of the setback.
“It’s hamstring, four to six weeks,” Guardiola said while previewing City’s upcoming clash with Brighton.
Dias now joins an already crowded treatment room at the Etihad Stadium. On Monday, it was confirmed that fellow centre-back Josko Gvardiol is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a broken leg, while John Stones has been out for over a month with a recurring thigh problem.
The situation is made worse by Rayan Ait-Nouri’s absence at the Africa Cup of Nations and by Nathan Aké not being viewed by Guardiola as a consistent option due to ongoing fitness concerns. With City trailing league leaders Arsenal by six points, the timing of these injuries could hardly be worse. Guardiola has remained publicly upbeat, stressing belief in the squad despite also being without Savinho, Mateo Kovacic, Oscar Bobb and Omar Marmoush through injury or international duty. Still, the lack of available senior defenders has put real strain on City’s title defence.
Potential January signing enters the conversation
City’s growing injury list has inevitably fuelled speculation about January reinforcements, particularly in defence. Reports suggest that Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is on City’s radar as a possible solution to their centre-back shortage. Guardiola, however, was cautious when asked about transfer activity. “Maybe we will get something but we are not going to buy four or five players like happened last season,” he said, hinting at a measured approach rather than a panic response.
City are already believed to be close to completing a deal for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, while one defensive move has already been made internally. The club has recalled 20-year-old defender Max Alleyne from his loan spell at Watford to help provide cover. For now, Guardiola is relying on resilience and squad spirit to carry City through this difficult period. Whether that proves enough, or whether reinforcements become unavoidable, may define the course of their season.
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