Guardiola facing more defensive injury woes
- Published
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola flagged another defensive injury concern following his side's FA Cup fifth round win against Plymouth.
John Stones and Manuel Akanji are already on the sidelines, and Nathan Ake failed to return for the second half as Ruben Dias partnered youngster Vitor Reis.
The 19-year-old was making only his second appearance following his January transfer window move from Brazilian club Palmeiras.
No wonder Guardiola is grateful the club bought in Reis and Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov, who wasn't involved against the Championship strugglers.
"We have another central defender out for a long time," said Guardiola in his post-match news conference. "I'm so grateful for Khusanov and Reis, without them we don't have any chance to qualify for the Champions League next season or fight for FA Cup.
"We would have Ruben [Dias] and that would be it. It is a miracle they are here."
