Pep Guardiola is facing a potential defensive injury crisis ahead of Manchester City's title showdown with Liverpool.
City, who currently hold a one point lead over Liverpool, host Jurgen Klopp's side at the Etihad Stadium on April 10. Guardiola has been without central defender Ruben Dias since March 1 and now John Stones has joined him on the injured list after returning to Manchester from England duty.
Stones was picked to start Saturday's 2-1 win over Switzerland at Wembley, but pulled up after feeling tightness in the warm-up and was unable to play for Gareth Southgate's side. Although Stones was released from the England camp as a precaution, there are concerns over his condition ahead of the huge encounter against Liverpool, with Dias still out.
Moreover, the injury that has sidelined Dias for four weeks now was initially diagnosed as a precautionary measure, which is why there are concerns Stones - who has a poor injury record - could suffer the same fate. Dias is making good progress from the thigh injury he suffered in a 2-0 FA Cup win at Peterborough, although Guardiola has been told by his medical team that if the 24-year-old breaks down again, his season will be over.
Against that backdrop, Guardiola and City's medical staff are wary of rushing Dias back too soon and potentially losing him for the rest of the campaign, given his importance in defence and with the Blues still chasing the Treble. It would be a huge blow for City if Dias and Stones are both unavailable for the clash with Liverpool, which would leave Guardiola's only central defensive options as Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake.
City are unlikely to risk Dias away to Burnley this Saturday, a game City could begin in second place, if Liverpool beat Watford in the lunchtime kick-off. If Dias does not feature against Burnley, Guardiola is unlikely to throw him into a game of the magnitude of Liverpool, given he will not have played for six weeks and will be off the pace.
If Dias does not feature against Burnley, Guardiola is unlikely to throw him into a game of the magnitude of Liverpool, given he will not have played for six weeks and will be off the pace. Former City midfielder Michael Brown has identified Riyad Mahrez as one of their stand-out performers this season and a key player for them as the campaign enters the home straight.
“Mahrez has got seven assists and 22 goals in all competitions so far,” said Brown. “His minutes per goal ratio is right up there, from not getting as much football at the start of the season. I think he’s been absolutely incredible.
“I think the international break has come at a good time, not with regards to rest, but I just think mentally. The amount of games the club have played, training every day and the intensity that Pep demands, it’ll be a nice change of scenery just to get a break from that. Then they'll get ready to go back for obviously an unbelievable April with the amount of games City have got.”
