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Manchester City trail leaders Arsenal by six points in the Premier League title race
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As the Premier League reaches its halfway mark, Guardiola’s side are Arsenal’s closest rivals. They are in a good position at the Champions League stage, finishing in the top eight, and have reached the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
City have managed to keep major injury absences to a minimum compared to last year’s mid-season collapse, with key midfielder Rodri returning at a crucial moment in the season. However, just when things were starting to look up, they hit some major fitness issues and now have to reassess their position as momentum builds in the January transfer window.
Here’s a look at their injury list, when players can return, and their projected lineup for their next game.
More: Is Antoine Semenyo top of the list for January transfer Christmas?
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Manchester City injury list
Here’s the latest injury update on Manchester City’s squad, along with expected return dates for missing players.
Josco Gvaldiol
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Estimated return date: Miss season
Manchester City suffered a heavy blow in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea, and the first game of 2026 also brought terrible news. Defender Josko Gvardiol, who has been a pillar of stability for Manchester City in recent seasons, went down in the second half with a fractured tibia, the club confirmed the next day.
Manchester City confirmed Gvaldiol had undergone surgery on a broken leg. While little is currently known about a potential timetable for Gvardiol’s return, it is believed he will require a long-term recovery and there is a chance he could miss the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
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Ruben Dias
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Estimated return date: February
Josco Gvardiol wasn’t the only casualty of the 1-1 draw with Chelsea, with Ruben Dias also finding himself withdrawn before full-time. Guardiola said he would be out for four to six weeks.
Nico Gonzalez
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Estimated return date: January 7 (vs. Brighton)
Gonzalez was substituted at half-time against Sunderland and Guardiola appeared wary of bringing him back for the Chelsea game when speaking to the media after the game. He could be held back for the midweek game against Brighton, especially if Rodri is able to start against Chelsea.
Savinho
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Estimated return date: To be determined
Guardiola says Savinho’s injury “doesn’t look good” after the winger had to leave early in the draw against Sunderland. Further testing is needed to determine his recovery timetable.
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Oscar Bob
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Estimated return date: January 10 (vs. Exeter)
Bobb started the season as City’s first choice on the right wing but has since fallen out of favor. He got some game time in the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Brentford due to a hamstring injury.
A return is expected at some point in January, perhaps in an FA Cup tie against Exeter City, although the Norwegian winger has been linked with a move away from Manchester City amid the club’s pursuit of Bournemouth star Antoine Semenho.
John Stones
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Estimated return date: February
England defender Stones has struggled in the Premier League this season but started four of five Champions League games before leaving for Real Madrid in December.
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On December 2, he played in midfield in the team’s 5-4 victory over Fulham and has not played since. Stones is nursing an unspecified leg injury and is expected to return at some stage during the festive period, but Guardiola said on January 6 that he had “no idea” when Stones would return.
Mateo Kovacic
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Estimated return date: February/March 2026
Croatian midfielder Kovacic suffered a serious setback after undergoing Achilles tendon surgery in the summer.
After the 3-1 win over Bournemouth on November 2, Guardiola said the former Chelsea man would be “out for a while”.
“He still has a problem with his ankle and a little calcification. We will wait for him in the final part of the season,” the City boss added. Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti confirmed the news and said Kovacic’s recovery could take three to four months.
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Absent: Omar Mamouche, Rayan Ait-Nouri
Mamouche and Ait Nouri will miss the Africa Cup of Nations and will not return until at least next week.
Manchester City vs. Brighton predicted line-up
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Donnarumma(GK)
Nunez, Kusanov, Acker, O’Reilly
Rodri
Cherki, Foden, Reynders, Doku
Haaland
Manchester City schedule: Next five games
Manchester City will play four games in their next five games. Following Brighton, they will face League One Exeter in the third round of the FA Cup.
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Manchester City vs. Brighton | Premier League | Wednesday 7 January
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Manchester City v Exeter City | FA Cup (Third Round) | Saturday 10 January
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Newcastle vs Newcastle Manchester City |Carabao Cup (semi-finals)|Tuesday 13 January
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Manchester United VS Manchester United Manchester City |Premier League|Saturday 17th January
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Bodo/Glint vs. Manchester City |UEFA Champions League| Tuesday 20 January
