Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Ruben Dias will not be available to face Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.
The lowdown: Hamstring issue for Dias
The 24-year-old has been sidelined since the beginning of March with a hamstring injury that he sustained in the FA Cup victory over Peterborough United.
Dias has been a revelation since arriving at the Etihad Stadium in 2020 and was named the Premier League Player of the Year for last season.
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Having already sat out six matches this term, the Portuguese defender looks set to miss out once again...
The latest: Dias not fit for Sunday
Speaking ahead of the crucial clash with title rivals Liverpool this weekend, Guardiola confirmed that Dias wouldn't be available.
During the pre-match press conference, as quoted by Manchester Evening News, the Spaniard was dismissive of the Portuguese ace's chances of featuring, saying: “Everyone is fit. Not Ruben. No.”
Despite initial hopes that the 37-cap Portugal star could return after the international break, it now seems that a comeback against Atletico Madrid next week is the earliest feasible date.
Aside from this blow, young striker Cole Palmer was also ruled out of contention for Sunday, but Kyle Walker is set to return to the fold following suspension in the Champions League.
The verdict: Huge loss for City
There can be no denying that the absence of Dias' towering presence from the City defence will likely be felt hard by Guardiola's side against Liverpool.
Although the 51-year-old has very capable backup in the shape of Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Nathan Ake, Dias has often been the leader of the backline, as illustrated by an outstanding 7.10 average Sofascore rating this season whilst helping to keep 11 clean sheets from 25 Premier League outings.
Hailed as 'incredible' by Guardiola in the past, the manager will no doubt be hoping that the talismanic defender can make a recovery as the run-in intensifies, whilst in the meantime devising a plan to stop Liverpool.
In other news: Journalist shares news as Man City pursue striker deal, find out more here.