Manchester City suffer major defensive injury blow ahead of Premier League return

Manchester City will be without Ruben Dias for up to a month, after the Portuguese defender suffered an injury at the FIFA World Cup.

Pep Guardiola’s side were without both Dias and Kalvin Phillips for Thursday’s Carabao Cup fourth round win over Liverpool, as City set up a quarter-final tie against Southampton in the new year with a 3-2 win.

Erling Haaland’s tenth minute opener was cancelled out by Fabio Carvalho, before Mo Salah drew the visitors level again in the second half after Riyad Mahrez had smashed City back into the lead.

Nathan Ake’s header after a deep cross from Kevin De Bruyne would be enough to knock-out holders Liverpool, as City returned to competitive action with a 3-2 win at the Etihad Stadium.

City, who had 16 players present at the World Cup in Qatar, had looked to have returned unscathed from the tournament.

However, ahead of a challenging period of fixtures as the Sky Blues look to reverse a five point gap between themselves and league leaders Arsenal, Guardiola has been hit with an injury set-back.

Jack Gaughan reports that centre-back Ruben Dias is set for up to a month on the sidelines after suffering a thigh/hamstring injury while representing Portugal at the World Cup.

The 25 year-old made four appearances for Portugal in the Middle East, as his nation crashed out at the quarter-final stages.

Meanwhile Phillips, who’s start to life at the Etihad Stadium has been hampered by injury, was ‘not fit’ according to manager Pep Guardiola.

Manchester City return to Premier League action on Wednesday 28th December when they travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United.

Phillips completed a £42 million switch from Leeds in the summer but has made just four appearances for the reigning Premier League champions.