Dias, Akanji, Ederson injury latest & return dates as Pep Guardiola dealt double blow ahead of vs Aston Villa

Manchester City heads into their clash with Aston Villa battling a growing injury crisis. Despite recent positive news with the return of Manuel Akanji, Mateo Kovacic, and John Stones, Pep Guardiola confirmed two significant setbacks.

Ruben Dias has been ruled out with a muscle injury, and goalkeeper Ederson is a doubt due to a knock.

City’s injury list already includes key players like Rodri, Oscar Bobb, and Nathan Ake, further complicating Guardiola’s plans during a challenging spell for the team. Here’s the latest on City’s injuries and when Cityzens might expect the players back in action.

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RECALL:

• Ruben Dias
• Injury: Muscle strain
• Details: Picked up during the derby loss to Manchester United, playing through the pain. Set to miss 3-4 weeks.
• Potential Return: January 14, vs. Brentford (A)

Ederson

• Injury: Knock
• Details: Guardiola labeled the goalkeeper as a major doubt for Villa.
• Potential Return: December 26, vs. Everton (H)

Manuel Akanji

• Injury: Abductor
• Details: Subbed off at halftime vs. Forest. Expected to feature against Villa but may not start.
• Potential Return: December 21, vs. Aston Villa (A)
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Nathan Ake

• Injury: Hamstring
• Details: Suffered in the Forest match. Short-term issue but unlikely to feature at Villa Park.
• Potential Return: December 26, vs. Everton (H)

Rodri

• Injury: ACL
• Details: Long-term absentee after a serious knee injury. Hopes to return by June 2025.
• Potential Return: June 2025

Oscar Bobb

• Injury: Fractured leg
• Details: Sidelined since August but expected to return early in the new year.
• Potential Return: January/February 2025
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QUOTES:

On Ruben Dias, Guardiola said:

“He’s been playing through the pain since the United game. It’s a muscle problem, and we need to give him time to recover.”

On Ederson’s condition:

“He has a knock, and we’ll see how he feels closer to the game. Right now, it’s difficult to say.”

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CITATIONS:

Pep Guardiola, Pre-Match Press Conference, December 20, 2024

KEEP IN MIND:

City’s thin squad and packed schedule make this a critical period for the team. With senior players out, Guardiola will need to manage his resources carefully to navigate the challenges ahead.

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