Manchester City face Southampton in the FA Cup semi-finals and will be without at least two out of their first-choice back-four at Wembley Stadium due to injury
Rodri looks on during a Manchester City match
Rodri will miss another Manchester City match as his injury absence continues(Image: Getty Images)
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Pep Guardiola has ruled Josko Gvardiol, Rodri and Ruben Dias out of Manchester City's FA Cup semi-final against Southampton.
Rodri is the closest of that trio to returning. City, however, do not want to risk the groin issue that sidelined him at Burnley. Dias is similarly still not ready as his recovery from a hamstring injury continues, which has now kept him out for over a month dating back to the Champions League round of 16 second leg against Real Madrid.
Gvardiol remains City's sole long-term absentee. Below is a round-up of the latest City injury news ahead of Southampton...
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Ruben Dias
City have gone on a five-match win streak across all competitions since losing Dias at half-time of their Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid. However, it goes without saying that the central defender's return would be welcome for the final month of this season.
It remains to be seen whether he would come straight back in to displace either of Abdukodir Khusanov or Marc Guehi. City have conceded just a single goal in Dias' absence, against Arsenal.
Guardiola's latest update: "Except Ruben, Rodri and Josko - the rest are fit."
Potential return date: Everton (A) Monday, May 4.
Rodri
City are unwilling to take risks with Rodri due to his importance. The midfielder is game-by-game at this stage due to a groin problem that will keep him out for at least two matches and potentially more, as the cautious approach to his fitness continues.
Guardiola's latest update: "He is better. We don't want to take the risk [vs Southampton]. I don't know yet [vs Everton] – hopefully, but as I say, we don't want to take risks. If he's injured, we lose him for the next three, and he's so important."
Potential return date: Everton (A) Monday, May 4.
Josko Gvardiol
Two dozen matches have now passed since Gvardiol broke his leg four days into 2026 against Chelsea. However, a return to training could come next month, according to Croatian media outlet Sportske Novosti, which could lead to an appearance before the end of this season. More likely, a return will come for Croatia during their friendlies before this summer's World Cup.
His public relations manager, Stipo Dubravac, recently said Gvardiol is "extremely motivated and focused on getting back on the field and being available to the club."
Guardiola's update: "Except Ruben, Rodri and Josko - the rest are fit."
Potential return date: Croatia vs Belgium (H) Tuesday, June 2.