Three ways Man City's defence could line up v Atletico Madrid without Ruben Dias and Kyle Walker

Pep Guardiola is still dealing with a few issues across the defensive line, with Ruben Dias and Kyle Walker both unavailable for Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final clash with Atletico Madrid.

Manchester City have managed to cope without their Portuguese stalwart for around a month now, and the manager confirmed on Friday that he may need another ’10 days to two weeks’ to get back up to full fitness. Walker will also serve the last of his three-match suspension against the Spanish champions, with the right-back’s red card against RB Leipzig – so far – not costing his team dearly.

City convincingly beat Sporting CP 5-0 over two legs to set-up a clash with Diego Simeone’s side, who will face either Real Madrid or Chelsea in the semi-final stage should they progress.

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So, with the aforementioned issues requiring some solutions, here are three ways the Blues could set up their back-line on Tuesday:

This would likely be the most popular back four amongst City fans with the players available.

Joao Cancelo is forced to move back to his natural right-back role in Walker’s absence, with Zinchenko slotting in at left-back. The Ukrainian will still not be 100% mentally with the ongoing situation in his home country, but he has proven in the last couple of weeks that he is capable of performing to his usual high standards.

The partnership of Stones and Laporte would return once more after the former was given the weekend off, likely as a precaution due to his injury scare on international duty.

Right footers on the right side, left footers on the left, this backline is possibly the most balanced City have at the club currently.

If Guardiola was