Dias and Gvardiol injury as Man City face defensive crisis

Manchester City’s Premier League title defense has been rocked by a catastrophic injury update concerning their backline. Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed on Tuesday that Ruben Dias will be out for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury, while fellow defender Josko Gvardiol faces a "long time" on the treatment table.

The news follows Monday's announcement that Gvardiol suffered a tibial fracture to his right leg during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea. This double blow leaves the champions severely depleted ahead of their home clash against Brighton, especially with John Stones also currently sidelined.

Speaking on Stones’ fitness, Guardiola admitted the England international is not ready for the upcoming fixtures. "He was injured for a long time last season; this season looks the same," the Catalan coach noted, lamenting the recurring absence of a player he considers vital to his tactical system.

Despite trailing leaders Arsenal by six points and facing a genuine personnel vacuum in central defense, Guardiola remains defiant. He insisted that the squad’s collective character would be the key to navigating this difficult period without their primary defensive pillars.

"With the spirit that we have, always we can cope," Guardiola told reporters, signaling his confidence in the remaining members of the squad. However, with the margin for error vanishing, the pressure on City’s makeshift defense has reached a season-high.