Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he may have to bring in more academy players to fill the bench after Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias were forced off the pitch with injuries during the 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
City conceded an equalizer in stoppage time to draw for the second time in a row and lose ground in the title race against Arsenal, who now have a six-point lead after 20 games.
“We will see tomorrow (about Gvardiol), but it doesn’t look good for him or Ruben,” Guardiola told reporters.
«I haven’t spoken to the doctor, but if Ruben is out it’s because he felt something. Have you seen the bench today? Four players from the academy and now we will have more. We have no players.»
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City are already without centre-back John Stones, who has missed the last six games due to a thigh injury, while Nathan Aké has also struggled with fitness problems.
Despite the injury problems, Guardiola was confident his side could compete if they believed in themselves.
“After what happened last season, if we stay strong, we will find a solution and the spirit will be there,” he said. “If the spirit is there, we will be there.”
City host Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday before facing rivals Manchester United on Saturday.
Published on January 5, 2026
