Josko Gvardiol suffers broken leg during Manchester City clash with Chelsea in England and faces months on the sidelines

Manchester City have been dealt a major blow after Josko Gvardiol suffered a broken leg during their 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday.

The Croatian defender hobbled off the pitch and underwent scans on Monday, which revealed a fractured right tibia requiring surgery.

This injury is expected to keep him out for several months, raising doubts about his availability for the rest of the season.

Impact on City and the Premier League Race

Gvardiol’s absence comes at a crucial time, with Arsenal having extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points over New Year.

Pep Guardiola’s side now face the challenge of shoring up their defence without one of their key central defenders.

Gvardiol has been a regular starter this season, forming a reliable partnership with Ruben Dias, which City have relied on heavily.

World Cup Concerns for Croatia

The injury also has wider implications beyond club football.

With the World Cup in North America approaching this summer, Gvardiol’s fitness is now uncertain for Croatia’s first match against England in Dallas.

The setback echoes the situation with Oscar Bobb last season, who endured a five-month absence following a similar injury and faced further complications before returning to Guardiola’s squad.

Strain on City’s Defensive Options

Adding to City’s defensive worries, Ruben Dias also picked up a muscle issue during the Chelsea match, prompting further testing to determine its severity.

With Gvardiol sidelined and Dias uncertain, Pep Guardiola’s options at centre back are extremely limited.

John Stones hasn’t played since early December, leaving Nathan Ake and Abdukodir Khusanov as the only fully fit senior centre halves.

Emergency Measures and Squad Reinforcements

In response to the crisis, City’s director of football Hugo Viana has acted quickly.

Max Alleyne, a young prospect, was recalled from a promising loan spell at Watford to provide immediate cover ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Brighton.

Teenager Stephen Mfuni has been named on the bench in recent weeks but is yet to make his senior debut, highlighting the thin depth at the position.

Accelerated Interest in Marc Guehi

The injury crisis has intensified Manchester City’s interest in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.

Originally, City had considered waiting until Guehi’s contract situation allowed a free transfer in the summer.

Now, with defensive options stretched, Viana is exploring a potential January deal to bring the England international to the Etihad.

Negotiations are ongoing to determine the feasibility and cost of securing Guehi mid-season.

Guardiola’s Tactical Dilemma

The absence of Gvardiol, coupled with Dias’ muscle problem, leaves Guardiola with a tactical headache.

The manager will need to balance defensive stability with attacking ambitions while managing the risk of overworking his remaining defenders.

Young players like Alleyne and Mfuni could see first-team minutes sooner than expected, giving them a crucial opportunity to impress in a high-pressure environment.

Looking Ahead

Manchester City now face a tense period with multiple matches on the horizon and a thin defensive roster.

The potential signing of Guehi, the return of injured defenders, and the performances of academy prospects will all play a crucial role in how the club navigates this challenge.

For Gvardiol, the focus will be on recovery and returning in time for both the Premier League push and the World Cup stage this summer.

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