Pep Guardiola confirmed fresh injury crisis when he faced the media with a familiar look of concern as Manchester City prepare for Wednesday night’s Premier League meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium.
What should have been a routine build-up to another league fixture instead became a detailed injury briefing, underlining how thin City’s squad has become at a critical stage of the season.
The Sky Blues are already juggling domestic and European commitments, but the physical toll of recent weeks has left Guardiola counting available defenders and midfielders with increasing care.
Last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea did little to ease the pressure. City dropped points late on, and the evening ended with fresh injury worries that may have long-term consequences for their title defence.
The visit of Brighton now arrives at a moment when City are searching for rhythm, stability and, above all, fitness. Guardiola’s update painted a picture of a side forced to adapt once again, relying on depth, youth and tactical flexibility to navigate another testing spell.
Defensive problems mount after Chelsea setback
City’s frustration against Chelsea was not limited to the last-gasp equaliser scored by Enzo Fernandez in the 94th minute. The game also saw two of Guardiola’s most trusted defenders fail to complete the contest, adding to a growing list of absentees.
Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias were both withdrawn during the second half, initially raising fears that the damage could be serious.
Those fears have since been confirmed, particularly in Gvardiol’s case. Manchester City announced that the Croatian defender requires surgery on a tibial fracture, an outcome that could end his season prematurely.
Guardiola offered a blunt assessment when asked about Gvardiol’s situation, telling reporters that “he is out for a long time.”
It is a major blow for City. Since arriving at the club, Gvardiol has quickly become a key figure in Guardiola’s defensive system, valued for his composure on the ball and ability to play across the back line. His absence removes both quality and versatility at a time when City can ill afford it.
Dias, meanwhile, faces a spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury. Guardiola confirmed that the Portugal international is expected to be unavailable for between four and six weeks.
While not as severe as Gvardiol’s setback, it is another significant loss. Dias has often been the organiser in City’s defence, setting standards and providing leadership during difficult moments.
Pep Guardiola confirmed fresh injury crisis as it adds to the growing list of unavailable players. John Stones remains sidelined, alongside Mateo Kovacic, Savinho and Oscar Bobb, leaving City short in both defensive and midfield areas.
Further complicating matters, Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri are currently away on Africa Cup of Nations duty, reducing Guardiola’s options even further.
Stones’s situation continues to attract particular attention. The England defender has struggled with fitness issues since early December, and his latest setback mirrors problems from last season.
Guardiola admitted there is no immediate return in sight, explaining: “[He is not] ready for the next games.
“Of course, he’s an important player for us for a long time and he was injured for a long time last season; this season looks the same. He’s trying a lot and trying everything, but he’s not fit.”
The timing is far from ideal, especially with international football looming later in the year. Asked whether Stones’s recurring injuries were a concern in a World Cup year, Guardiola deflected the question, saying: “You should talk with [England manager] Thomas Tuchel about that.”
The comment reflected both Guardiola’s focus on club matters and the uncertainty surrounding Stones’s long-term fitness.
For now, City must find solutions within a stretched squad. Nathan Ake, who has also battled injury problems in the past, has been declared fit and available.
The Dutch defender is expected to slot into the centre of defence alongside Abdukodir Khusanov, while Max Allayne, recently recalled from his loan spell at Watford, is set to provide additional cover.
Encouragement in midfield as Brighton await
Amid the mounting injury concerns, Guardiola was at least able to offer some positive news ahead of Brighton’s visit. Midfielder Nico Gonzalez, who missed the draw with Chelsea, has returned to training and is in contention to feature.
While Pep Guardiola confirmed fresh injury crisis, he also confirmed that Gonzalez is “fine,” a welcome boost given City’s current lack of numbers. The Spaniard’s availability gives Guardiola another option in midfield, an area that has been stretched by injuries and fixture congestion.
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While Gonzalez may not be guaranteed a starting place, his presence alone provides balance and flexibility.
Brighton, however, will sense opportunity. Known for their organised approach and willingness to play on the front foot, they arrive at the Etihad aware that City are vulnerable.
Guardiola’s side still dominate possession and territory in most matches, but the absence of key defensive figures has made them less secure, particularly late in games.
The Chelsea match was a clear example. City controlled large periods but were unable to see the game out, conceding deep into stoppage time.
Guardiola will be keen to address that fragility, even if his options are limited. Ake’s return and Khusanov’s expected involvement offer some stability, but the loss of Gvardiol and Dias inevitably changes the dynamic.
