Manchester City centre-back Ruben Dias is nearing a return from his hamstring injury that has kept the Portuguese international sidelined since 3rd March, according to injury guru Ben Dinnery, who contributes on Sky Sports.
Dias was forced off at half-time of the Citizens’ FA Cup clash with Peterborough United and has not featured since, making it four weeks since he last took to the pitch, and it is thought it will be a full six weeks of recovery until he will again.
While Dias has been missed at the Etihad Stadium, fortunately, City have an abundance of talent across the backline that has filled in perfectly during his absence. Most notably, England defender John Stones has stepped in to partner Spain international Aymeric Laporte during this time.
Sky Sports injury expert Dinnery reported the update on his FPL Injuries YouTube channel, stating: “He’s going to be around about another 10 days from a return, certainly going to err on the side of caution with that one. And it looks to be that full six-week timeline that was initially touted.”
Will Manchester City win the Premier League this season?
Yes
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TIF Thoughts on Dias’ return…
Dias has been an integral figure in Pep Guardiola’s side since his £61m transfer from Benfica in September 2020, helping the Citizens win the Premier League and League Cup in his first season. The Portuguese defender also picked up the Player of the Season award in Manchester for his efforts after cementing himself as one of the best defenders in the league.
Dias has averaged 1 tackle and 2.2 clearances per game, as well as a 93.6% passing accuracy and 3.5 long balls per 90 mins, proving he is far more than just a defender. He also builds up attacks from the backline, racking up four assists in all competitions. (WhoScored)
City has some huge games coming up including their Champions League quarter-final with Atletico Madrid, their FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool, and their 10th April Premier League game against the Reds as well, which could be a title-deciding result as the season approaches its end.
If Dias is to miss some or even all of these games, it could prove costly to how City end their season – they could walk away champions of Europe and England… or neither.