Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol will undergo surgery later this week after breaking his shinbone in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, the Premier League club reported.
The 23-year-old Croatia international was forced off after 51 minutes at Stamford Bridge. Fellow center-back Ruben Dias also left the field due to injury around half an hour later.
“Manchester City FC can confirm that Josko Gvardiol has suffered a tibial fracture to his right leg. The defender will have surgery later this week and assessment remains ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the injury and expected prognosis,” the club’s statement read.
The already depleted defense faced further challenges when Gvardiol had to be assisted off the pitch following an awkward collision on the halfway line early in the second half. Ten minutes from the end of normal time, Dias was also forced out with the game finely balanced.
“This is a hard moment, but it will never define me. I know who I am and where I come from. I’ll fight every day to return stronger. I will rise again, better than ever,” Gvardiol wrote on Instagram.
In response to its growing injury concerns, City has recalled academy graduate Max Alleyne from his loan spell at Championship side Watford. The 20-year-old could be included in the squad for Wednesday’s league clash against Brighton.
After the match on Sunday, when asked if Dias had suffered a muscle problem, Pep Guardiola responded, “Yes, it looks like it. I didn’t speak with the doctor but if Ruben is out it is because he felt something. Of course we have a lot of injuries. John Stones is missing for many months; Ruben will be out and Josko will be out.
“Always we know with Nathan that he cannot play regularly. After what happened last season, if we stay strong we will find a solution and the spirit will be there. If the spirit is there, we will be there.”
The draw with Chelsea means Manchester City is undefeated in its last 10 matches across all competitions, with eight wins and two draws, and it has moved back up to second place in the table, although it sits six points behind league-leaders Arsenal.