Manchester City have been dealt a severe defensive blow with the news that key centre-back Rúben Dias is expected to miss up to six weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury. The Portuguese defender was forced off during Sunday's thrilling 4-4 Premier League draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Defensive Crisis Deepens for Guardiola
The loss of Dias exacerbates a critical shortage of fit central defenders for manager Pep Guardiola. The situation worsened during the same match, as summer signing Josko Gvardiol suffered a broken shinbone and is now unlikely to feature again this season after undergoing surgery.
England international John Stones is also sidelined with a thigh problem, with no clear return date set. This leaves City with just 13 fit senior outfield players for their upcoming fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday evening.
Transfer Market Moves Considered
The unprecedented injury crisis could force the Premier League champions into the January transfer market. Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi is a player of significant interest to the City hierarchy as they seek to bolster their defensive ranks.
In a further potential move, a deal for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo is reportedly close. Cherries manager Andoni Iraola indicated he expects Wednesday's match against Tottenham Hotspur to be the Ghanaian's last for the club.
Short-Term Solutions and Guardiola's Resolve
In response to the emergency, academy graduate Max Alleyne has been recalled from his loan spell at Watford to provide immediate cover. Guardiola confirmed that Nathan Aké and Abdukodir Khusanov are available as central defensive options.
"With the spirit that we have, always we can cope," said Guardiola, while acknowledging the challenge. "Maybe we will get something but it’s completely different, we are not going to buy four or five players like happened last season."
The manager's comments suggest any foray into the market will be measured, despite the pressing need to maintain their title challenge on multiple fronts.
