Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that Ruben Dias won’t return until after the next international break.
The Portuguese international was not in the matchday squad for the 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth and, when asked about his absence, Guardiola said that the defender is out with a muscular injury for the next two matches at least.
Supporters on X are very disappointed that Dias is unavailable, especially considering how many other first-team players are also on the treatment table:
keeps getting worse……😥😥😥😥
— Ali muhammad khan (@Alimuhammad297) November 2, 2024
Man pep needs to get players in the January transfer window
— Amxa (@Amxa_Diaz_Amxa) November 2, 2024
When will it end ?
— BlaqWit (@BlaqWit_MCFC) November 2, 2024
End the season already
— Ali MCFC (@alibuhu) November 2, 2024
Caused by playing at Spurs. Ridiculous decision.
— Peter Johnson (@peterjohnson555) November 2, 2024
congrats to sporting for their win. gyokeres is gonna feast on our defense
— Precise 🇿🇦 (@KaluluSnowy) November 2, 2024
Oh god
— Pokkiri Tamil (@PokkiriTamil77) November 2, 2024
When could Dias play again?
Guardiola has effectively ruled out the 27-year-old from playing the games against Sporting Lisbon and Brighton, having already missed the loss to Bournemouth.
City face Tottenham, Feyenoord and Liverpool in the space of seven days after the next round of internationals so he could feature in any one of those matches.
City have 4 other players out injured
The Premier League champions are currently without a whole host of players, including Jack Grealish (knock), Rodri (ACL) and Oscar Bobb (fractured leg). John Stones has also been added to the injury list. The centre-back has a foot injury and it remains to be seen whether he will also be out until the international break like Dias.
Guardiola will be hoping that some of those sidelined will be ready for selection sooner rather than later or it could have a serious impact on results.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here