Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that centre-back Ruben Dias could be ruled out for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury.
Dias was forced off at half time in City's 2-0 win against Peterborough United in the FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday night, with Guardiola claiming after the game that he was "not feeling good in his leg."
It has since been confirmed that the Portugal international is suffering with a hamstring injury and he has been ruled out of Sunday's Manchester derby at home against crosstown rivals Manchester United.
The Premier League leaders will also be without Nathan Ake who, like Dias, was forced off in the first half against Peterborough with a knock, while Cole Palmer has an outside chance of featuring in the matchday squad as Guardiola has revealed that he is scheduled to return to training soon.
Speaking to reporters in his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: "Nathan and Ruben are not ready. The rest are ready. Cole Palmer can hopefully start training with us in the next days."
Commenting on Dias' injury, the Spaniard added: "Muscular. Hamstring. Four to six weeks. It happens. In other seasons our best players have been out for months.
"I'd love [Dias] but he's not there, I will not cry. It is what it is. We have decent players available. We have 14-15 players. With these players we are going to fight and try to play good. Impossible to fight if you don't play good. We play with our people and hopefully our people support as they always do."
Man City will be looking to end a run of three successive home defeat against the Red Devils when they lock horns at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.
Oliver Thomas
