Injury crisis for Man City as Dias, Stones & Walker 'out for rest of season'

Ruben Dias, John Stones and Kyle Walker will miss the final three games of Manchester City's season in a major blow to their title race hopes.

City moved three points clear of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table with a convincing 5-0 thrashing of Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

But Pep Guardiola confirmed that neither Walker, Stones nor Dias - who was forced off at half-time with a muscular problem - would be fit for their last three games of the season.

Walker was forced off in the second half of Wednesday's Champions League loss at Real Madrid with fresh ankle problems. Stones has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Guardiola said: "Ruben, Kyle and John are out until the end of the season."

With Nathan Ake struggling with an ankle problem Guardiola said he is down to "three defenders for three games".

Fernandinho, who is leaving City at the end of the season, replaced Dias in the victory over Newcastle and asked how crucial the 37-year-old now becomes, Guardiola said: "A lot, otherwise, it's CJ (Ega-Riley) or (Luke) Mbete.

"In this situation it's not a problem, Rodri can play there. We have the academy. Everyone has to do extra. Thirteen players and a half for these games and everyone has to do more and more to help our absence. We arrive with problems and that's all. Fernandinho did good and we are going to do it."

Wednesday - Wolves (a) Premier League, live on Sky Sports

May 15 - West Ham (a) Premier League, live on Sky Sports

May 22 - Aston Villa (h) Premier League

Sky Sports' Adam Bate:

Asked on Friday afternoon what response he expected from his players following their Champions League elimination by Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola