Josko Gvardiol
MCICroatia
Left
Jan 23, 2002
24
6'1"
176 lb
CB
LB
Driving Centre Back
Man CityTargeting mid-May return
Gvardiol (fracture) is expected to begin running within the next 10 days and is targeting a return to full training by mid-May, according to Sportske Novosti.
Analysis: Gvardiol suffered a tibial fracture Jan. 4 against Chelsea and underwent successful surgery nine days later, but the recovery is clearly moving in the right direction with the bone healing process now complete. The defender has been a massive loss for City after posting two goals and three assists in 21 appearances across all competitions before going down. The next few weeks will center on functional recovery in the muscles and joints, and while a mid-May return would leave little time to build back match sharpness before the season wraps up, having him fully fit for Croatia's World Cup preparations this summer remains the main objective. Nathan Ake and Abdukodir Khusanov have taken on bigger roles during his absence, while Ruben Dias and Marc Guehi are currently the preferred pairing in central defense.
Needs surgery on fractured tibia
Gvardiol will undergo surgery after it was confirmed that he suffered a tibial fracture during Sunday's match against Chelsea, the club announced Monday.
Analysis: Gvardiol is likely to be ruled out for a long period, but his full recovery timeline remains to be determined. The defender's absence is a huge blow to the squad given that he has been a constant presence in the starting lineup, scoring two goals and three assists in 21 appearances and averaging 3.9 clearances per game. Both Nathan Ake and Abdukodir Khusanov are options to play in Gvardiol's place, with both of them featuring if Ruben Dias (undisclosed) is also sidelined.
Could be dealing with serious issue
Gvardiol left Sunday's 1-1 draw against Chelsea with an injury about which coach Pep Guardiola said "We'll see tomorrow. It doesn't look good" after the game, City Xtra reports.
Analysis: Gvardiol returned to the initial lineup after getting some rest midweek, but he was forced off during the second alf against Chelsea. The center-back's fitness is now a major concern for a City side that could also lose Ruben Dias (undisclosed). Prior to this issue, Gvardiol scored two goals and three assists in 21 appearances while averaging 3.9 clearances per game.
Four shots from bench
Gvardiol recorded four shots (one on goal) in Thursday's 0-0 draw versus Sunderland.
Analysis: Gvardiol would feature off the bench Thursday and come on at left-back, serving 33 minutes. He would see some decent work with one tackle won and two clearances in the defense to go along with four shots in the attack. However, he should return to a starting spot next game, likely to return to a central spot.
Earns assist
Gvardiol assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Gvadriol would bag an assist from the defense Saturday, linking up with Tijjani Reijnders in the 48th minute. This marks his second assist of the season, with his last coming some time ago on Oct. 5. He would also add an interception, three tackles and eight clearances in the defense for a solid match all-around.
Three shots from defense
Gvardiol recorded three shots (zero on goal) in Saturday's 3-0 victory against West Ham United.
Analysis: Gvardiol was in his typical spot in the defense Saturday but found numerous chances to score, recording three shots but none being on target. He would also add an interception and four clearances as the club earned a clean sheet.
Nets goal via header
Gvardiol scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Sunderland. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 37th minute.
Analysis: Gvardiol gave City their second goal of the match and some security in the 35th minute, putting home a header off a cross. This gives the defender his second goal in their past two games, his only two goals of the season. However, he also has an assist, with three goal contributions in 11 appearances, a solid stat line for a defender.
Finds back of net
Gvardiol scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-2 win versus Leeds United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 66th minute.
Analysis: Gvardiol would score the second goal of the match Saturday, finding the back of the net in the 25th minute from a Nico O'Reilly assist. This marks his second goal of the season, one of the few defenders who sees more scoring opportunities than usual. He would also record one tackle, an interception and two clearances, although his team did go a third straight match without a clean sheet.
Dealing with patella tendonitis
Gvardiol is dealing with patella tendonitis for the past 10 months and is carefully managing the workload on his knees, he said to the media, according to Ryan Dabbs from Men's Health. "I've been struggling with patella tendonitis for the last 10 months, so I need to do a lot of exercises for my knees. It's really important for me to keep the tendon warm so that I'm ready to run and train outside."
Analysis: Gvardiol had a slow start to the season, missing the pre-season and the first three games of the Premier League campaign as he has been struggling with patella tendonitis in his knees for the past 10 months. The Croatian is carefully managing his workload in the gym before every outdoor training session in order to avoid any injury. Since returning to the pitch, Gvardiol has played all the games in the backline except one against Everton in the Premier League, contributing two assists, 12 tackles, 14 interceptions and 43 clearances in 11 appearances across all competitions.
Bags assist
Gvardiol assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 1-0 win over Brentford.
Analysis: Gvardiol earned an assist Sunday early in the contest, finding Erling Haaland in the ninth minute of the outing. This is his second straight game with an assist after he earned one in UCL play midweek, with those his only goal contributions of the season. He would also record one tackle won, two interceptions and three clearances in the defense.
Assist Wednesday
Gvardiol assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 2-2 draw versus Monaco.
Analysis: Gvardiol would step up from the defense to provide an assist Wednesday, finding Erling Haaland in the 15th minute for the opening goal. This is his first assist of the season, taking five matches to reach that mark. He would also record two tackles and three clearances in the defense, a decent match from the Croatian.
Solid defensively
Gvardiol registered two tackles (two won), nine clearances and two interceptions in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Arsenal.
Analysis: Gvardiol was back in the center of the defense Sunday, registering a solid match against the Gunners. His club would park the bus for most of the second half, leading to a lot of defensive stats, notching two tackles won, two interceptions and nine clearances. This continues the trend of minimal attacking work, likely to continue if he remains in a central role.
Three shots from defense
Gvardiol had three shots (one on goal) in Thursday's 2-0 win against Napoli.
Analysis: Gvardiol was working his way up the field in numerous spots Thursday, with the defender given a bit more space to roam after a Napoli red card despite starting in the middle of the defense. That would lead him to three shots in the outing, coming close to a goal on one of those shots. He would also add three interceptions and a clearance, while also earning a second straight clean sheet since returning.
Starting in defense
Gvardiol (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Manchester United.
Analysis: Gvardiol was a close call to make it Sunday, but is fit and ready to go after earning a spot in the starting XI. This is his season debut as he will try to help City out of the hole they have dug to begin the season, although he is taking on more of a central role Sunday after typically playing at left-back with the club.
Could be back Sunday
Gvardiol (fitness) could be back for Sunday's derby against Manchester United, coach Pep Guardiola said in the press conference. "The rest are fine."
Analysis: Gvardiol was back in team training on Thursday and could be back available for Sunday's derby against Manchester United. This is good news for City since the Croatian has been an undisputed starter in the backline last season and he will bring a big boost for the team if he reach full fitness in the upcoming fixtures. Gvardiol could even see a starting role on Sunday with Rayan Ait-Nouri out due to an ankle injury.
Back in team training
Gvardiol (fitness) was spotted back in team training on Thursday, the club posted.
Analysis: Gvardiol has been struggling with his fitness in the early stretch of the season and has yet to make his first appearance for the Citizens. The defender was spotted back in team training on Thursday, suggesting he could be an option for the match squad in Sunday's derby against United. Gvardiol was an undisputed starter in the backline last season and will look to reclaim that spot once fully fit.
Still not an option
Gvardiol (undisclosed) is out for Sunday's match against Brighton.
Analysis: Gvardiol is not yet recovered from his undisclosed issues, as the defender is once again out for City. This is a tough run for the defender, as he still has yet to play this year despite being one of the club's regular starters. That said, he will look for his return after the international break, although that is up in the air.
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