Pep Guardiola has season-defining Man City decision to make with Aymeric Laporte and John Stones

Pep Guardiola confirmed on Friday that Ruben Dias is progressing well as he looks to recover from a hamstring injury, an update that already has fans scratching their heads over who will be the centre-back's partner for the remainder of the season.

The Portuguese international was replaced at half-time against Peterborough United in the FA Cup last-16, with Guardiola confirming he had picked up a muscular injury and was forced off the field. Assessments revealed that Dias would be out for four to six weeks, but the manager has since said that he is 'incredibly getting better', with his recovery going well, though doctors have advised the Manchester City boss to 'be careful' when easing him back into action.

Fortunately for City, most of their players have just jetted off around the globe during the two-week international break. It gives Dias more time to recover and be at his optimum for the club’s incredibly tough April schedule, which features both Liverpool and Atletico Madrid - twice.

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Since his absence, City have played four games with the centre-back pairing of John Stones and Aymeric Laporte. The duo have conceded two goals in that time, albeit they both turned out to be consolations.

However, there has been a hint of desperation amongst City supporters to see Dias return to the starting line-up immediately, hinting that his absence may have coincided with the club’s slight wobble in form. On Sunday, Laporte lost the ball 10 times across the 90 minutes and – rather unfortunately – deflected the ball into his own net for Southampton’s equaliser. His centre-back partner was not at his tidy best either, losing the ball on seven