Rúben Dias
MCIPortugal
Right
May 14, 1997
28
6'2"
168 lb
CB
--
Back Line Anchor
Man CityMisses call Saturday
Dias (hamstring) is ruled out for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Liverpool.
Analysis: Dias has not been able to make it back in time from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the Carabao Cup final and also kept him from featuring for Portugal over the international break. City are now dealing with a major problem at the back, with Josko Gvardiol (fracture) already sidelined and John Stones (calf) still not available either. Abdukodir Khusanov is starting alongside Marc Guehi and will likely do so until Dias is back up to full speed.
In doubt for FA Cup match
Dias (hamstring) is in doubt to face Liverpool on Saturday, according to Tashan Deniran-Alleyne of The Standard.
Analysis: Dias missed the club's Carabao Cup final before the break and didn't participate with Portugal due to a hamstring injury, leaving the defender in doubt for Saturday. This is something major to watch for the club as they could be without an everyday starter again for a Cup match, a bit of a worry with John Stones (calf) also doubtful and Josko Gvardiol (fracture) out. Either way, it can be put into question if he will be risked even if he makes the team, as Marc Guehi will likely start with Abdukodir Khusanov or Nathan Ake next to him.
Out for Cup Final
Dias is out for Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Arsenal due to a hamstring injury, according to Sam Lee of The Athletic.
Analysis: Dias will not be with his club as they attempt to win a trophy Sunday, as the defender is instead missing out due to a hamstring injury. This comes after he only made it to halftime in their most recent match, possibly suffering the issue in the loss to Real Madrid. A return date is unknown, as he will now use the international break to return as the club goes without a regular starter for at least a match. The club will likely turn to Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov to start in the middle of the defense, with Nathan Ake, John Stones and Max Alleyne also options. However, Guehi is not an option for Carabao Cup play after playing with Palace in the competition earlier in the season, likely leaving Stones, Alleyne and Ake to start alongside Khusanov on Sunday.
Available going forward
Dias (hamstring) will remain available for Sunday's clash against Liverpool, coach Pep Guardiola said in the press conference. "He's back, we'll see if he plays minutes, but it's good news for us."
Analysis: Dias missed six games across all competitions with a hamstring injury before returning to the bench for Wednesday's Cup match against Newcastle. This is a major boost for Manchester City, as he is a locked-in starter at the heart of the defense and should eventually line up alongside newcomer Marc Guehi once fully fit, adding stability and presence to the Citizens' backline.
Back in team training
Dias (hamstring) resumed team training on Monday and could be an option for Wednesday's Carabao Cup second leg against against Newcastle United, coach Pep Guardiola said in the press conference. "Ruben [Dias] started to train yesterday."
Analysis: Dias appears to have moved past his hamstring injury after returning to full team training on Monday and could be back in action for Wednesday's Carabao Cup second leg against Newcastle United. The center back missed the last seven matches across all competitions due to the issue and is unlikely to be rushed straight back into the starting squad in order to avoid any setbacks. That said, he could still be included for cup duty and is expected to regain a starting role once fully fit, lining up alongside newcomer Marc Guehi in central defense.
Should resume training next week
Dias (hamstring) is expected to resume team training next week, assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders said during a press conference, according to City Xtra.
Analysis: Dias has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early January but could see a positive step forward in his recovery, as he is expected to resume team training next week. This is good news, although he also has to recover mentally from a recent burglary at his home. The center-back will hope to return before the end of February if everything goes as planned and should regain a starting role in the backline alongside newcomer Marc Guehi.
Out four to six weeks
Dias (hamstring) is expected to miss four to six weeks, coach Pep Guardiola said in the press conference. "Hamstring. [He will be out for] four to six weeks."
Analysis: Dias suffered a hamstring injury during Sunday's draw against Chelsea and is set to miss four to six weeks to recover from the issue. This is a big blow for the Citizens since he is an undisputed starter in the backline and his absence will force a change in the starting XI, with Nathan Ake or Abdukodir Khusanov as the likely options to replace him.
Injured in Chelsea clash
Dias picked up a blow during Sunday's 1-1 draw against Chelsea, with manager Pep Guardiola saying "I didn't speak with the doctor, but if Ruben is out it's because he felt something, yeah...", City Xtra reports.
Analysis: Dias started Sunday's game as part of a center-back pairing alongside Josko Gvardiol, but both defenders ended up being subbed off with physical issues. While the Portuguese may be dealing with a muscular issue, he'll be questionable with the next match coming Wednesday versus Brighton. He had started in each of the last nine games across all competitions, scoring a goal and tallying 42 clearances in that period. Both Nathan Ake and Abdukodir Khusanov are alternatives in case the injured player fails to recover for upcoming fixtures.
Scores from defense
Dias scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-0 win over Sunderland.
Analysis: Dias opened the scoring Saturday with a soaring header, finding the back of the net in the 32nd minute from a Rayan Cherki asisst. Dias now has two goals this season after bagging a goal just two league matches ago, his first multi-goal season since 2021. He also added seven clearances on his way to a clean sheet in the defense.
Scores rare goal
Dias scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 loss versus Newcastle United.
Analysis: Dias would earn a very rare goal for City's only goal of the contest, as the defender soared up to put a header home in the 68th minute. This marks his first goal of the season and his first for the club since the 2022/23 season. He would also add one tackle won and two clearances in the defense.
Key part of defense
Dias has started 13 games for City, coming off the bench only twice and keeping seven clean sheets, establishing himself as a key part of the team's improved defense.
Analysis: Dias has been a key figure in City's defense alongside Josko Gvardiol, helping improve the team's overall defensive performance.Dias has started 13 games and has been substituted only twice this season, once in the league and once in the Champions League. His attacking contributions are modest, with four goals and six assists since joining the club in 2020 and without any involvement this season, but he continues to shine defensively, recording 65 clearances, 13 interceptions, nine blocks and 11 tackles in 13 starts this season while recording seven clean sheets.
Notches six clearances
Dias generated one tackle (one won), six clearances and three interceptions in Sunday's 1-0 victory against Brentford.
Analysis: Dias was on the field for a sixth straight start Sunday, recording an eighth start in nine games this season. He was decent in the defense, recording a tackle won, three interceptions and six clearances while picking up a clean sheet. He continues to be the club's lead center-back, serving alongside Josko Gvardiol in the middle of the defense.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare