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Man City's Josko Gvardiol to Undergo Surgery for Tibial Fracture

Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has suffered a tibial fracture in his right leg and will undergo surgery later this week. The injury occurred during the 1-1 draw with Chelsea, further depleting a City defense that also saw Ruben Dias leave the pitch with a muscle problem. Manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged the severe injury crisis, noting long-term absences for John Stones and Nathan Ake's fitness limitations. In response, the club has recalled young defender Max Alleyne from his loan at Watford to bolster the squad.

Key Points: Man City's Josko Gvardiol Suffers Leg Fracture, Needs Surgery

  • Gvardiol fractured tibia vs Chelsea
  • Ruben Dias also injured
  • City recalls Max Alleyne on loan
  • Defensive crisis deepens
2 min read

Man City defender to undergo surgery for tibial fracture in his right leg

Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol will have surgery for a tibial fracture, adding to Pep Guardiola's mounting defensive injury crisis.

"This is a hard moment, but it will never define me... I'll fight every day to return stronger. - Josko Gvardiol"

Manchester, Jan 6

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 said.

The 23-year-old Croatia international was forced off after 51 minutes at Stamford Bridge. Fellow center-back Ruben Dias also withdrew through 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.

An already depleted defence was dealt further blows when Gvardiol had to be helped off the pitch after an awkward collision on the halfway line early in the second-half. And 10 minutes from the end of normal time, our other regular centre-half Dias was forced off with the game on a knife-edge.

"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.

To address its mounting 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 game on Sunday, when pressed 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 Man City are undefeated in its last 10 matches across all competitions, with eight wins and two draws, and saw them move back up to second place in the table, but they sit six points behind league-leaders Arsenal.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
His Instagram message is so inspiring. "I will rise again, better than ever." Shows great mental strength. Wishing him all the best for the surgery and rehab.
A
Aman W
As an Indian football fan, I feel for City. But honestly, their squad depth is insane. They'll recall someone from loan or buy in January. Arsenal fans shouldn't get too excited yet!
P
Priyanka N
Injuries are part of the game, but this many to key defenders is just cruel luck. Pep's right about the spirit. If any team can overcome this, it's City. Max Alleyne has a big chance now.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, while the injuries are bad, City's spending power means they can handle this better than 99% of clubs. My sympathy is limited. The real struggle is for smaller clubs when their star player gets hurt.
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Kavya N
Six points behind Arsenal is still manageable, especially with Haaland and De Bruyne fit. The attack will have to score more to cover for the defense. Premier League is the best because of twists like this!

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