Pep Guardiola has delivered some huge injury news regarding a trio of first-team players following Manchester City’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.

The Lowdown: Injury concerns for Man City

Ruben Dias was previously out of action for seven weeks earlier in the season after sustaining a hamstring injury, and he was forced off the pitch in the win over the Magpies at the weekend with what appeared to be another muscular problem.

John Stones and Kyle Walker are the other two regular members of the starting XI who join the centre-back on the injury list, with both defenders having to be withdrawn during the Sky Blues’ Champions League semi-final tie against Real Madrid over the last fortnight.

Stones was substituted in the pulsating 4-3 first leg win and hasn’t played since, whilst the right-back limped off the field at the Bernabeu last week after being risked by the Spaniard to start.

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The Latest: Guardiola gives injury update

Speaking during his post-match press conference with the media on Sunday, Guardiola shared an update on the trio, and it’s not one that City fans will want to hear.

He revealed: “Ruben, Kyle and John are out until the end of the season. Next pre-season maybe they will be ready.

“[Ruben’s problem is] muscular. Not the same position, but hamstring.”

The Verdict: Huge blow for Man City

This news will come as a hammer blow to Guardiola and City as we approach the run-in to the season, with just three league games left to play for the defending champions.

This now leaves Aymeric Laporte, Nathan Ake, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Joao Cancelo as the only senior defenders available for selection for the rest of the campaign, which means that the 51-year-old might have to rely on some younger prospects to come into the team or play someone like Fernandinho out of his natural position as cover.

City currently find themselves three points clear at the top of the table following Liverpool’s recent slip-up against Tottenham, so they are firmly in pole position to get their hands on the Premier League trophy for the second season in a row. However, being without three of their regular defenders for the run-in could make the title charge that little bit harder.

In other news… Man City have reportedly taken an interest in a surprising transfer target