Ruben Dias: Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola confirms that the defender will be absent for “three to four weeks” due to a muscle injury | Football news

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola confirmed that defender Ruben Dias will be out of action for “three or four weeks” after sustaining an injury against Manchester United.

The 27-year-old played the full 90 minutes against United, but suffered a muscle injury 15 minutes from time, which he played during the 2-1 defeat to their rivals.

“He has been out for a long time,” Guardiola said before the next match against Aston Villa on Saturday.

“Three or four weeks – a muscle problem. (He played) 75 minutes against United and felt something but he was very strong so he stayed on the pitch and now he is injured.”

Goalkeeper Ederson is also a doubt for the trip to Villa Park, with the duo now joining the growing list of City stars sidelined through injuries, with Oscar Pope, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji and Rodri all missing their last game.

Jeremy Doku, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and John Stones are other notable names who have spent time on the sidelines so far this season, contributing to City’s current decline in form. Guardiola’s side have only managed one win in their last 11 matches.

Akanji returns to training

Despite the loss of Dias, City will be boosted by the potential return of Akanji, who has missed the last three matches with a thigh injury.

Pep continued: “Manuel has returned to training in the past two days.” “The more they come back, the better. The guys are ready.”

“It’s important for everyone to get back to their best. When you get injured, you need some time to be at your best.”

Stones was welcomed back into the matchday squad last weekend, leaving Ake as the only other absentee in the back four after previously having just three centre-backs to face United. Rico Luis will also return from suspension after receiving a red card against Crystal Palace.

Guardiola: We will turn things upside down

Guardiola admitted he was distraught after the late collapse against United, which exacerbated their misery during their current campaign, but insisted his team would eventually turn the situation around.

He said when asked about the situation, “We were close to winning and we lost the match. I was not happy and I had to be honest with myself.”

“If you fall six times, you have to stand up seven times. I’m fine, I’m a normal person. We have to start again.”

“You should try to do it again. Sooner or later, we’ll turn things around. I don’t know when.”

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