Manchester City is feeling the absence of star defender Ruben Dias, according to teammate Bernardo Silva. Dias, a key figure in the club’s backline, has missed the last two matches due to a muscular injury that has kept him sidelined and undergoing recovery.
Dias’s injury woes became apparent after City’s Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham. Since then, he was unavailable for the 2-1 loss to Bournemouth and the 4-1 Champions League defeat to Sporting, adding to a challenging period for manager Pep Guardiola. Guardiola is already managing injuries to players like John Stones and Jack Grealish, alongside long-term absences for Oscar Bobb and Rodri.
After City’s 4-1 loss to Sporting, Silva addressed the impact of Dias’s absence. “He’s my best friend in the team, someone I connect with really well,” Silva shared. Reflecting on their shared history, Silva added, “Even though he’s a bit younger than me, we shared some moments at Benfica, and he’s truly a leader—he’s intense, sometimes too much, but that just shows his passion.”
Silva went on to emphasize the qualities Dias brings to the team. “Focus, body language—everything you’d want in a defender, he’s got it! His presence in the dressing room is irreplaceable because he’s so vocal. We miss him!”
Looking ahead, Manchester City is not expecting Dias to return for their upcoming match against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium. The Premier League champions, currently second, are trailing Arne Slot’s Liverpool by two points but maintain a four-point lead over third-place Nottingham Forest.
