Manchester City’s defender Joško Gvardiol is set to undergo surgery following a serious leg injury incurred during the recent Premier League match against Chelsea. The 23-year-old player suffered a tibial fracture to his right leg, prompting concerns about his recovery timeline and potential impact on his participation in the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
The incident occurred shortly into the second half of the match at the Etihad Stadium, where Gvardiol was assisted off the field by Chelsea’s captain, Reece James. The club confirmed the nature of his injury on Monday, indicating that he would need surgical intervention.
While the precise duration of his recovery remains uncertain, Gvardiol has expressed unwavering determination to return to the pitch in time for the World Cup. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, he acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but emphasized that this setback will not define his career. “This is a hard moment,” he stated on X, adding, “I know who I am and where I come from.”
Gvardiol conveyed his gratitude to Manchester City fans, affirming his commitment to fight for a stronger comeback. He expressed pride in representing Croatia, stating, “My heart beats for Croatia. Always! I will rise again, better than ever! For my club, for my brothers at club and national level, for my people.”
As Gvardiol focuses on his recovery, the Croatian national team looks ahead to the World Cup, where they will compete against England, Panama, and Ghana in the group stage. With only a few months remaining in the current season, the pressure is on Gvardiol to regain his fitness.
However, Manchester City faces additional challenges as they cope with injuries within their defensive lineup. Rúben Dias also exited the Chelsea match due to a muscle injury and is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks. This situation exacerbates the defensive crisis for manager Pep Guardiola, who is already contending with John Stones’ long-term absence and Nathan Aké’s limited availability.
With only Abdukodir Khusanov as the sole fit center-back in the squad, City has opted to recall academy graduate Max Alleyne from Watford. The club may also accelerate their interest in acquiring Marc Guéhi, who is slated to become a free agent this July but could be urgently needed to bolster the team’s defensive options.
