Manchester City dealt with further blow as Pep Guardiola confirms injury to key defender
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that his team will be without key defender Ruben Dias for the next few games. The Portugal international picked up a muscle injury in the Manchester derby last week and will be sidelined for about three to four weeks.
This is certainly a huge blow for the Cityzens who have been struggling with the fitness of several players. They are already without the likes of Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb, and Rodri, while Ederson also remains a doubt for their upcoming Premier League match.
It is key for Manchester City to pick up all three points at Aston Villa on Saturday (December 21) to stay within reach of Liverpool for the title. At the moment, they're fifth and nine points behind the Reds, who have played a game less.
Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference (via Manchester Evening News):
"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. 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."
Dias has been a key feature in the backline for Manchester City this season, having featured 19 times across competitions. Manuel Akanji is reportedly ready to come back into the squad for this fixture and he could partner John Stones in central defence.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola addresses his mood amid poor run of form
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has looked animated on the sidelines in recent weeks with his side failing to live up to their lofty standards. They've failed to win any of their last three matches across competitions. In their last 11 outings in all competitions, the Cityzens have won just once, when they beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 on December 4.
When asked about his mood, Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference (via BBC Sport):
"I am fine. I am a normal person with feelings like all of us. When a situation is going well, we are better and when it is not going well professionally, we are more [focused] on what we have to do."
Manchester City will now face an Aston Villa team that are seventh in the league standings and only two points behind the Cityzens. The Villans lost their last league game 2-1 to Nottingham Forest on December 14.