The availability of Ruben Dias will be the pivotal defensive decision for Pep Guardiola ahead of Manchester City’s crucial Premier League trip to Chelsea this weekend, with the manager forced to juggle a concerning shortage of fit centre-backs.
Injury concerns force defensive re-think
Dias, who missed the Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal and the subsequent FA Cup quarter-final demolition of Liverpool, is in a race to be fit. The Portuguese defender had only just returned in January from a hamstring injury originally sustained against Chelsea, making seven appearances before another hamstring issue limited him to 45 minutes of the Champions League exit to Real Madrid. His situation was further complicated when he sustained a fresh knock in training last Friday, on the eve of the Liverpool match. City’s assistant manager, Pepijn Lijnders, who led the team in that game with Guardiola serving a touchline ban, confirmed the player had been sent for a scan with his status uncertain.
He is not the only senior defender in doubt. John Stones was also absent for the Liverpool fixture with a calf problem. Lijnders indicated the issue was not expected to be long-term, but his fitness for Sunday remains unconfirmed. The most significant long-term absence, however, is Josko Gvardiol. The Croatian international suffered a broken tibia against Chelsea in January, underwent surgery, and is only now beginning running exercises. He is targeting a return to full training by mid-May, ruling him out for the rest of the Premier League season.
This cascade of injuries has thrust others into prominent roles. Abdukodir Khusanov, an emergency signing in January 2025, has become a key figure and started both recent Wembley finals alongside Marc Guehi, who was ineligible against Arsenal. Nathan Aké provides another option, having lined up in central defence for the Carabao Cup final. The reshuffle has been so severe that even with Dias and Stones fit earlier in the season, Guardiola has frequently deployed natural midfielder Matheus Nunes as a first-choice right-back, a role in which he has excelled, making over 30 appearances.
Predicted Manchester City lineup
In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to return after deputy James Trafford’s run in the cup competitions. The defensive lineup hinges on the fitness of Dias and Stones. If neither makes it, a partnership of Khusanov and Guehi seems the most likely, given their recent work together. At full-back, the consistent Nunes should start on the right, with Carabao Cup final hero Nico O’Reilly on the left. The 21-year-old O’Reilly, a product of City’s academy who scored a brace at Wembley, has made the left-back spot his own this term, though he can also operate in midfield. His form has limited specialist left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, a June 2025 signing, to a peripheral role.
In midfield, the bedrock of Rodri and Bernardo Silva—whose departure on a free transfer this summer is now confirmed—is expected to continue, though a freshen-up could see £50 million January recruit Nico Gonzalez introduced. Guardiola is likely to be tempted to retain the attacking quartet that dismantled Liverpool. Hat-trick hero Erling Haaland leads the line, supported by the dynamic trio of Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki, and Jeremy Doku. Semenyo, a £64 million January arrival from Bournemouth, has made an immediate impact with eight goals and three assists, while Cherki, a June 2025 signing, has been hailed as “one of the world’s best” by his teammate for his flair and creativity. Doku, a constant threat, leads the league in progressive carries and completed dribbles.
Should changes be made, alternatives are plentiful. Phil Foden, despite a run of 20 club games without a goal, retains the manager’s faith. Savinho, who signed a contract extension until 2031 last October, Tijjani Reijnders, and Omar Marmoush all offer further options in advanced areas.
Predicted Manchester City XI (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rodri, Silva; Semenyo, Cherki, Doku; Haaland.
The title-chasing side travel to Stamford Bridge for a 4.30pm BST kick-off on Sunday, April 12, with the match broadcast live on Sky Sports. The encounter comes with City on a high after significant cup victories, but also with the shadow of January’s visit, which saw them lose both the match and Josko Gvardiol to a serious injury.
