Manchester City Faces Defender Crisis In The Critical Period Of Determining The English Premier League Champion

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias is injured. (Photo: Twitter @ManCity)

JAKARTA - Manchester City are facing a crisis in defense as they are competing in the race for the English Premier League title this season. The Citizens certainly minus three of their pillar defenders in the remainder of this season.

The certainty was conveyed by Pep Guardiola's tactician following Ruben Dias' injury. Previously, Manchester City had lost John Stones and Kyle Walker until the end of the season.

Ruben Dias suffered an injury while playing as a starter against Newcastle United on Sunday, May 8 yesterday. However, the player was withdrawn after the break and was replaced by Fernandinho.

"Ruben (Dias), Kyle (Walker) and John (Stones) are out until the end of the season. Next pre-season maybe they will be ready. Ruben's problem is muscle," Guardiola said, quoted by Reuters.

Meanwhile Nathan Ake is still struggling to recover. He is believed to be able to return to play before the season ends.

This injury list leaves City with only three fit defenders in their next match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday, 12 May.

"We have Joao (Cancelo), Oleks (Zinchenko) and Aymeric (Laporte)," said Guardiola.

Currently, City are back at the top of the English Premier League standings after beating Newcastle United 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium. They now collect 86 points or three points ahead of Liverpool who occupy second place.

The two strongest candidates for the championship both still have three matches remaining. After against Wolves, City will still meet West Ham United and Aston Villa.

Meanwhile, Liverpool, who dropped two points after drawing with Tottenham Hotspur, will face Aston Villa, Southampton and Wolves in the remaining matches of the season.