Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that defender Ruben Diaz will miss “three to four weeks” after sustaining an injury against Manchester United.
The 27-year-old played the full 90 minutes against United but picked up a muscle problem with 15 minutes to go, which he overcame in the 2-1 defeat by the rivals.
“He’s been away for a long time,” Guardiola said ahead of Saturday’s game against Aston Villa.
“Three or four weeks, a muscle problem. (He played) 75 minutes against United and felt something, but he’s strong enough to stay on the pitch and now he’s injured.”
Goalkeeper Ederson is also a doubt for the trip to Villa Park, with the pair now joining a growing list of City stars sidelined with injury, with Oscar Bob, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji and Rodry missing their last game.
Jeremy Docu, 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 form, with Guardiola’s side securing just one win in their last 11 matches.
Manchester City’s stats in the Premier League this season with and without Ruben Diaz
Kanji returns to training
Despite losing Diaz, City will be pushing for the possible return of Akanji, who has missed the last three games with a groin injury.
“Manuel has been back in training for the last two days,” continued Pep. “The more they come back the better, the boys are ready.
Pep Guardiola shows his frustration against Man Utd
“It’s important that everyone gets back to their best. When you’re injured, you need some time to be at your best.”
Stones was welcomed into the matchday squad last weekend, leaving Ake as the only absentee in the back four after previously having just three fit defenders for the United clash.Rico Lewis will also return from suspension following his red card against Crystal Palace.
Guardiola: We’ll turn it around
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
What a FINISH from a stunning Manchester City-Manchester United Premier League match
Guardiola admitted he was frustrated after the late collapse against United only added to their woes this season, but he insisted his side will eventually turn things around.
“We were close to winning and we lost the game, I wasn’t happy and I had to be honest with myself,” he said when asked about the situation.
“You fall six times, you have to get up seven times. I’m fine, I’m a normal person, I have to start again.
“You should try and do it again. We’ll get around sooner or later, I don’t know when.”
The massive heavyweight rematch between Alexander Usyk and Tyson Fury will be shown live on Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday 21 December. Book Usyk v Fury 2 now!
