Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that key defender Rúben Dias will be sidelined for three to four weeks due to a muscular injury. Dias sustained the injury during City’s recent 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, playing through discomfort for 75 minutes before being substituted.
This development compounds Manchester City’s current challenges, as the team has secured only one victory in their last 11 matches across all competitions, marking the most challenging period in Guardiola’s managerial career. The club currently sits in fifth place in the Premier League, nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool.
In addition to Dias’s absence, goalkeeper Ederson is doubtful for the upcoming fixture against Aston Villa, further straining City’s defensive lineup. However, there is a silver lining with the return of defenders Manuel Akanji and John Stones to full training, potentially bolstering the backline. Guardiola emphasized the importance of having a fully fit squad, stating, “What I want is my players back. I have the same feeling that the squad is really good.”
The forthcoming match against Aston Villa is crucial for Manchester City as they aim to halt their poor run of form. A defeat at Villa Park could result in City dropping out of the top six, intensifying the pressure on Guardiola and his squad. Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, is also seeking to rebound following a loss to Nottingham Forest, adding further significance to the encounter.
The match is scheduled for Saturday, December 21, with a 12:30 pm kick-off at Villa Park. It will be broadcast live on talkSPORT and TNT Spo
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