Manchester City have been rocked by another defensive injury with Ruben Dias facing several weeks on the sidelines because of a muscle issue. But Pep Guardiola has been boosted by John Stones, Manuel Akanji and central midfielder Mateo Kovacic all returning to injury in the run up to Saturday's lunchtime kick off away to Aston Villa.
Dias sustained the injury late in weekend's derby defeat to Manchester United but played through the pain and will be unavailable for at least the entire festive programme. "It's a muscular problem and he will be out for three to four weeks," said Guardiola. "After 75 minutes against United he felt something. But he's so strong and wanted to stay on the pitch. Now he's injured.".
City have won just one and lost eight of their past 11 games in all competitions, leaving the champions in fifth place before this weekend's round of games. Reports suggest that Guardiola's squad, which will remain without Ballon d'Or winner Rodri until the end of the season, could be bolstered in the January transfer window.
"What I want is my players back. I have the same feeling that the squad is really good, it's not about good or bad players but I want the players back," Guardiola said on Friday. "What happens in winter [in the January transfer window] or the end of the season, the club will decide what is best for the team.
