Manchester City face a defensive emergency following news that Josko Gvardiol requires surgery on a broken shinbone sustained during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
The 23-year-old was forced off in the 51st minute, followed shortly by fellow defender Ruben Dias, who also picked up an injury.
With John Stones already out, Pep Guardiola has been forced to take immediate action:
• 20-year-old Max Alleyne has been recalled from his loan at Watford and could feature against Brighton this Wednesday.
• City are reportedly accelerating a January move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi to bolster their depleted ranks.
Gvardiol remained defiant on social media, posting: “This is a hard moment, but it will never define me… I will rise again, better than ever.”
