Pep Guardiola facing a crisis in the backline of Man City with defender Ruben Dias is expected to remain absent for Liverpool‘s visit on Sunday.
A huge month for two English giants one seeking for unprecedented Quadruple while the other for the Treble. Sunday’s game at Etihad is labeled as the title decider as the biggest game of the season awaits.
Meanwhile, both Klopp and Guardiola also have to take care of crunch Champions League Quarterfinal ties along with the FA Cup semifinal meeting at Wembley between the two.
For Jurgen Klopp, he has the luxury of full-fit squad members. Meanwhile, Guardiola is not far off but missing a very key member in the form of Ruben Dias.
The 24-year-old is a big miss for the Man City team. Last season’s Player of the Season Dias has been a revelation since rocking up in Manchester. Meanwhile, filling a gaping Vincent Kompany-sized hole in their line-up.
Guardiola confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Friday, stating:
Everyone is fit. Not Ruben
The center-back’s absence due to a hamstring injury extends beyond a month.
As the season enters the lateral stage every point matters at this stage. Moreover, having players missing from your squad could have a huge impact on each match.
How important is Ruben Dias to Man City?
Man City brought Ruben Dias from Benfica to be the successor of their club legend Vincent Kompany.
Moreover, Dias is someone who can command the team in the same manner as Kompany with eminent leadership qualities as the Belgian.
The 24 years old is already an established quality defender although his peak years are ahead of him and will mature into a better player. Dais secures the defensive front for at least the next 10 years.
Ruben Dais’s injury is a big miss for the Man City team fighting for all three fronts.
The 24-year-old suffered a hamstring injury back at the start of March. He lasted 45 minutes before being withdrawn during City’s 2-0 win over Peterborough in the FA Cup.
Guardiola said after the game that City would be without Dias for four to six weeks, but here we are nearly six weeks later, and there is no sign of the former Benfica man.
However, Dias did actually return to training for City in the middle of March but then disappeared again, so he may have suffered a setback in his bid to return from this hamstring problem.
Losing a key player like Ruben Dias in the key part of the season is a big blow to Guardiola’s side, and it potentially decides the City’s season.
If they lose on Sunday, Liverpool will have the advantage in the title race. Also if they suffer defeat to Atletico, they will be out of the Champions League.
City have an incredible team, but Dias’s presence makes them even better. Meanwhile, his absence could have a big impact on the Citizens’ trophy triumph come the end of the year.
