Man City confirm Josko Gvardiol injury update in huge title race blow

Manchester City have confirmed that Josko Gvardiol sustained a fracture to his right leg during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League. The defender went down under a challenge and immediately signalled to the bench that he needed to be replaced.

After receiving treatment on the pitch, the centre-back, 23, had to be helped off and was replaced by Abdukodir Khusanov.

City have now released a statement on the cruel injury blow. It reads "Manchester City FC can confirm that Josko Gvardiol has suffered a tibial fracture to his right leg.

"The injury was sustained during the second half of Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League.

"The defender will have surgery later this week and an assessment remains ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the injury and expected prognosis.

"Everyone at the Club wishes Josko a speedy recovery and mancity.com will bring you regular updates regarding his rehabilitation."

The Manchester Evening News understands City's defender may not play again this season.

Gvardiol's setback comes as a major blow for Pep Guardiola, especially after Nico Gonzalez was ruled out of the Chelsea game before kick‑off and Savinho picked up an injury at Sunderland.

Guardiola was already without three other players through injury, too, with John Stones, Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic side-lined.

Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait‑Nouri are also away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Meanwhile, Rodri has admitted that the team's ongoing injuries have prevented them from producing their best form in recent weeks.

"Injuries unbalance the team, every time a player goes (injured) - but we have to adjust," he said after City's draw with Chelsea.

"It's not an excuse, we have enough talent to play [through]