Pep Guardiola has provided an injury update on Ruben Dias ahead of Manchester City’s meeting with Atletico Madrid, refusing to rule out the possibility of the Portugal international making his return to the team.
Dias has not featured for the Sky Blues since February 26, though is now closing in on a first-team return for the season run-in. The 24-year-old completed one training session with the City squad today.
Guardiola’s side takes a 1-0 lead into Wednesday’s second-leg at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, courtesy of Kevin De Bruyne’s 70th-minute goal at the Etihad last week. City prevented Atletico from registering a single attempt during the first leg,
The City boss has said in his press conference before the game that Dias will not be fit to start against Atletico but is happy enough with his progress to include him in his plans.
“Dias travels with us, the rest all are fit,” the Catalan told the media on Tuesday afternoon.
Asked whether Dias could start against Atletico, Guardiola replied, “From the start tomorrow? No.
“He makes one training session and six weeks off. The fact he’s back is incredible and we have a big schedule until the end of the season. Everyone will be important.”
In reaction to the news, many Man City fans have been expressing their thoughts and opinions.
“Good. Bring him back slowly.”
Credit: @KDBpxcked
Rest him for wembley.”
Credit: @JackMCI
“don’t rush him back.”
Credit: @theagueroregen
“obviously, was never gonna play immediately after 6 weeks out.”
Credit: @cmh172S
“Ok with that tbh so we can save him for liverpool on saturday”
Credit: @lucychamberIain
“We’ll see him at the weekend.”
Credit: @okmcmiller
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