Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that defender Ruben Dias will be out for “three or four weeks” after picking up the injury against Manchester United.
The 27-year-old played the full 90 minutes against United but picked up a muscle problem with 15 minutes remaining, which he played on during the 2-1 defeat by their rivals.
“He's been out for a long time,” Guardiola said ahead of the upcoming clash against Aston Villa on Saturday.
“Three or four weeks – a muscle problem. (He played) 75 minutes against United and he felt something, but he is so strong that he stayed on the pitch and now he is injured.”
Dias now joins a growing list of City stars without injury, with Oscar Bobbo, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji and Rodri all missing from their last outing.
Jeremy Doku, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and John Stones are other big names who have spent time on the sidelines so far this season, contributing to City's current slump in form. Guardiola's team has only won once in their last 11 matches.
Akanji returns to training
Despite the loss of Dias, City will be boosted by the possible return of Akanji, who has missed the last three games with a groin injury.
“Manuel has been back in training for the last two days,” continued Pep. “The more that comes back, the better.” The boys are ready.
Pep Guardiola shows his dejection against Man Utd
“It's important that everyone gets back to their best. When you're injured, you need some time to be at your best.”
Stones was welcomed back into the matchday squad last weekend, leaving Ake as the only other absentee in the back four, having previously only had three fit defenders for the clash with United.
Guardiola: We will turn it around
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WHAT A FINISH! Highlights from a stunning Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United
Guardiola admitted he was distraught after the late collapse against United, which only worsened their suffering in the current run, but insisted his side will eventually turn things around.
“We were close to winning and we lost the game. I wasn't happy and I had to be honest with myself,” he said when asked about the situation.
“You fall six times, you have to get up seven times. I'm fine, I'm a normal person. We have to do it again.
“You have to try to do it again. Sooner or later, we're going to turn it around. I don't know when.”