More injury trouble for Man City! Pep confirms double defensive blow ahead of Bournemouth clash as crisis deepens

In his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's game against Bournemouth, Guardiola stated that Dias and Stones will not be available for "a long time", and that alternative centre-back Nathan Ake and right-back Kyle Walker were not at their best.

City find themselves in the midst of a worrying injury crisis that has claimed Ballon d'Or winner Rodri and winger Jack Grealish, as well as promising youngster Oscar Bobb. Adding Dias and Stones to the list leaves City short of their starting centre-back pairing, something which City cannot afford with a tricky run of fixtures approaching.

However, there is good news as Kevin De Bruyne returns to the squad, albeit as a substitute, and provides City with a creative outlet off the bench. A key cog in the team, his return from injury will be a relief for the entire squad.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Guardiola said: "Listen, it is what it is. Manuel could not play against Spurs, Nathan is not at his best, but we don't have an alternative. John and Ruben will be out for a little long time, and Kyle has come back after two weeks without playing. We are eleven, we will go for it and that is all. I said yesterday that so many teams for this amount of games, it is normal to happen."

Speaking on De Bruyne's return, Guardiola said: "It is better news for us, one and half months out since the [Inter] game, so yeah, yesterday he felt a little bit better, and I said we would look to start being with the team. It is good he is back."

Following City's journey to Bournemouth, they are set to play future Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim's Sporting CP in the Champions league on Tuesday, before hosting Brighton on Saturday, their last fixture before the international break. It remains to be seen whether Dias and Stones will be available when club football returns in late November.