Manchester City Grapples with Injury Woes Ahead of Aston Villa Clash
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has announced that defender Ruben Dias will be sidelined for up to four weeks due to a muscle injury sustained during the recent Manchester derby defeat to United. The news adds to City’s growing injury concerns this season, which already include Ballon d’Or winner Rodri being ruled out for the entire campaign.
Dias’ Injury Setback
Dias, who had just returned to the squad after missing matches in November, suffered the muscle issue late in the derby. Guardiola revealed during a press conference:
“[He will be out for] three or four weeks. It was a muscular injury. [After] 75 minutes against Manchester United, he felt something. He is so strong and stayed on the pitch, but now he is injured.”
The manager also provided a positive update, confirming defender Manuel Akanji has resumed training after a brief absence.
Guardiola Reflects on Team’s Struggles
Following a disappointing 2-1 loss to United and a stretch of poor form, Guardiola candidly assessed his role in the team’s performance, stating:
“I was not good enough. I tried to be honest with myself. If you fall down six times, you have to stand up seven.”
Guardiola acknowledged the importance of staying focused and emphasized the team’s determination to bounce back, saying:
“We have to start again. Sooner or later, it will turn around.”
Preparing for Aston Villa
City faces Aston Villa on Saturday, a team they defeated 4-1 in their previous encounter. Guardiola dismissed comparisons to past games, stressing the need to approach this match as a fresh challenge. “The past is the past; this is a new moment,” he said.
Despite their struggles, Guardiola remains optimistic about City’s ability to regain momentum and return to winning ways in the Premier League.
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