Manchester City have suffered a fresh injury blow with defender Ruben Dias ruled out for up to four weeks. Manager Pep Guardiola has also revealed goalkeeper Ederson is doubtful for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa. The problems are the latest to hit the champions, who have lost eight of their last 11 games in all competitions, winning just once in that sequence.
Dias, who had a spell out in November with a calf injury, suffered discomfort in the latter stages of last weekend’s derby loss to Manchester United. Guardiola said at a press conference: “After 75 minutes against United he felt something. He’s strong and wanted to stay on the pitch but now he’s injured.”.
Ederson, who was dropped for three games earlier this month, is also not fully fit. The news comes just as City had been hoping their injury problems were easing. Guardiola’s side have been hampered by a lengthy casualty list for most of the campaign.
Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri has been their most notable absentee having been ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury. On the positive side, defender John Stones and midfielder Mateo Kovacic were on the bench against United and are back in contention. Another central defender, Manuel Akanji, is also close to returning and could be involved this weekend.
With Rico Lewis back from suspension, Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb are the only other senior players on the sidelines. City have also had some useful breathing space since their late derby capitulation – when they conceded twice in the closing minutes to lose 2-1 – having not had a midweek fixture.
