Manchester City have confirmed that defender Josko Gvardiol suffered a broken leg during Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.
Gvardiol was forced off in the second half alongside fellow centre-back Ruben Dias, with City’s defensive reshuffle preceding Enzo Fernandez’s stoppage-time equaliser for the visitors. The result left Pep Guardiola’s side second in the table, six points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
In a statement released on Monday, City revealed the Croatia international sustained a fracture to the tibia in his right leg. “The defender will undergo surgery later this week, with further assessment ongoing to determine the full extent of the injury and his expected recovery time,” the club said.
Guardiola had earlier expressed concern before the diagnosis was confirmed, admitting the situation “doesn’t look good” for either Gvardiol or Dias. The severity of Dias’ injury has yet to be disclosed.
The setbacks compound City’s growing defensive issues. John Stones has been sidelined for a month with a thigh injury, while Rayan Aït-Nouri is away on international duty with Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Midfielder Nico González also missed the Chelsea clash, and Guardiola will again be without Savinho, Oscar Bobb, Mateo Kovačić and Omar Marmoush for Wednesday’s home match against Brighton.
There was, however, a boost for City with the return of Rodri, who completed the full 90 minutes against Chelsea in his first start since October. The influential Spain midfielder has endured a difficult spell, suffering multiple setbacks — most recently a hamstring issue — during his recovery from the serious knee injury that kept him out for much of last season.
“It’s been a really tough period for me,” Rodri said. “Every minute I’m able to play now feels like a gift, and being back on the pitch brings me real joy.
“I thank God for giving me this second chance to do what I love and to rediscover my smile.”