Josko Gvardiol was withdrawn after 51 minutes against Chelsea on Sunday
Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol is set to undergo surgery later this week after fracturing his shinbone during Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Chelsea.
The Croatia international, 23, was substituted after 51 minutes in the match against Chelsea, with fellow central defender Ruben Dias also leaving the field due to injury approximately half an hour later.
In an official statement, Manchester City indicated that they are still working to “ascertain the full extent” of Gvardiol’s injury and determine his anticipated recovery timeline.
Gvardiol addressed fans in a message on Instagram,, external expressing gratitude for their support and stating: “This is a hard moment, but it will never define me. I know who I am and where I come from.”
He further added: “I’ll fight every day to return stronger. I will rise again, better than ever.”
Concurrently, Manchester City have recalled academy graduate Max Alleyne from his loan assignment with Championship club Watford. He is potentially in contention for a place in the squad for Wednesday’s Premier League fixture against Brighton.
The 20-year-old, son of former England cricketer and current Gloucestershire head coach Mark Alleyne, made 17 appearances for Watford after joining on a season-long loan.
However, with England international centre-back John Stones also currently unavailable due to injury, Alleyne’s loan has been terminated early. Pep Guardiola’s side, who are reportedly considering a January move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, are seeking to address a growing injury concern within their defensive ranks.
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