Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Ruben Dias will be sidelined for between four and six weeks after picking up a hamstring problem.
The Portuguese defender had to leave the pitch during Manchester City's Premier League encounter with Chelsea on Sunday, which finished level at 1-1.
Speaking ahead of his side's fixture against Brighton on Wednesday, the City boss provided an update on the 27-year-old's condition.
"It's hamstring, four to six weeks," Guardiola told reporters at his pre-match press conference.
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The injury represents a significant blow to the City's backline options at such a crucial point in their season.
And this latest setback compounds an already dire situation at centre-back for the Etihad outfit.
Josko Gvardiol's broken leg, announced on Monday, means the Croatian international faces an extended spell on the treatment table.
Man City star Ruben Dias picked up an injury in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea
|GETTY
John Stones is also currently unavailable for selection, further depleting Guardiola's defensive resources.
When asked about the England international, Guardiola said: “[He is not] ready for the next games.
“Of course, he’s an important player for us for a long time and he was injured for a long time last season; this season looks the same.
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Five things to know about Man City boss Pep Guardiola | PA/GETTY“He’s trying a lot and trying everything, but he’s not fit.”
However, there was some positive news for City and their supporters.
Nico Gonzalez is available for the game against Brighton, with Nathan Ake and Max Alleyne also in contention to feature as they look to get their title challenge back on track.
“[Nico is fine] and it’s good to have Nathan back,” Guardiola added.
“Max came back from Watford, and we appreciate what they have done for the young lad.
“Omar [Marmoush] and Rayan [Cherki] are at AFCON, and we have injuries to John and Oscar Bobb, while Jeremy [Doku] and Rodri have come back from long injuries.
John Stones remains sidelined for Man City
| PA“That is the situation, [Can we cope?] Of course. With the spirit we have.
“Considering the fatigue, today we’ll see the faces and tomorrow we will take the decision [on who plays].
“Second day they are very tired the third not so bad so tomorrow we will see.”
City are currently six points behind Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.
Their 1-1 draw with Chelsea last time out came following a disappointing stalemate against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.