Manchester City defender Ruben Dias
Manchester City defender Ruben Dias (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester City travel to Aston Villa in the Premier League this lunchtime still battling an injury crisis.
Just as things appeared to be easing for the Blues with the return to training of Manuel Akanji, the return to action of Mateo Kovacic and the return to a matchday squad of John Stones, Pep Guardiola revealed a double injury blow. Ruben Dias has a muscle problem that could sideline him for a month while goalkeeper Ederson is also a doubt for the weekend with a knock.
City already have the likes of Oscar Bobb and Rodri on the long-term absentee list and now must deal with a new setback at a time where their form has deserted them. Here's the City injury latest and return dates.
Ruben Dias
Injury: Muscular
What we know: Guardiola confirmed on Friday that Dias had picked up the problem in the derby defeat to Manchester United but had played through the pain. He is set to be sidelined for three to four weeks.
Potential return date: Brentford (A) January 14
Ederson
Injury: Knock
What we know: Guardiola said the keeper was struggling with an issue and he is a major doubt for the game at Villa Park.
Potential return date: Everton (H) December 26
Manu Akanji
Injury: Abductor
What we know: The City boss said Akanji was just battling through fitness issues having been withdrawn at half time in the win over Nottingham Forest. Guardiola has clarified the injury is an abductor and that he should be fit to be involved against Aston Villa, but whether he is in condition to start remains to be seen.
Potential return date: Aston Villa (A) December 21
Nathan Ake
Injury: Hamstring
What we know: Ake was forced off late on in the win over Forest with a hamstring injury. There were fears it would be serious but while it will keep him out on Sunday, it is understood not to be a long term issue but Guardiola was coy on when the defender could return.
Potential return date: Everton (H) December 26
Rodri
Injury: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
What we know: Rodri has sustained a serious knee injury and will be out until the middle of next year. He has spoken of his desire to play again this season, possibly in the Club World Cup.
Potential return date: June 2025
Oscar Bobb
Injury: Fractured Leg
What we know: The Norwegian suffered his leg break in August and the hope is that Bobb will play some part early in the new year.
Potential return date: January/February
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