Manchester City have been handed a fresh defensive injury concern after Ruben Dias was replaced by Fernandinho at half-time against Newcastle.
The Portuguese stalwart has been instrumental to City's defensive stability in recent seasons and has caused concern after he failed to return for the second half against Newcastle United as they lead 2-0. Dias missed seven matches for the Blues after suffering an injury in their FA Cup win over Peterborough as their Merseyside rivals clawed back at the deficit.
Liverpool's draw with Tottenham Hotspur opened the door for Pep Guardiola's side and the reigning champions leapt at the slip-up after moving two goals ahead against the Magpies as they looked to move three points clear. With three matches remaining, Jurgen Klopp and his side will have to rely on the league leaders to drop points if they are to win their second Premier League crown.
READ MORE: Man City vs Newcastle - LIVE
Dias' injury seemed to be innocuous as he appeared to pull up after winning an aerial duel. Early in the second half, Sky Sports footage showed the 24-year-old back among the squad and next to Nathan Ake on the bench - which could be seen as a positive.
"It’s a massive blow," Micah Richards said over the enforced change. "He’s one of City’s best defenders.
"In this game, it’ll be okay but it’s going forward. Couple of away games, it’s going to be difficult, I’m not surprised it’s him [Fernandinho] coming on."
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