Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol have returned to Manchester City training ahead of their match against Brentford. Their recoveries are crucial for City's title chase against Arsenal.
Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol return to Manchester City training ahead of Brentford clash
Manchester City defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol have returned to training ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Brentford.
Ruben Dias has been absent since picking up a hamstring injury before the Carabao Cup final in March, while Josko Gvardiol has been sidelined since January with a tibial fracture – with both players watching from the sidelines as City mounted a title charge in the second half of the season.
Their returns could not be better timed. City go into Saturday’s home meeting with Brentford five points behind Arsenal with a game in hand, with three points at the Etihad Stadium required to keep any hope of a title charge alive heading into the final three games of the campaign.
Manchester City table lucrative contract extention till 2033 for Josko Gvardiol
According to Sky Sports News, Dias and Gvardiol returned to training on Friday ahead of Saturday’s clash with at the Etihad Stadium.
Ruben Dias sustained a hamstring injury before the Carabao Cup final in March and has been sidelined since then.
Josko Gvardiol had a tibial fracture and has returned to training ahead of the match against Brentford.
The return of Dias and Gvardiol is a significant boost for Manchester City as they continue their chase for the title against Arsenal.
Detroit Pistons fans showcased their unique playoff fashion at Little Caesars Arena, opting for custom jerseys and accessories instead of free T-shirts. Fans expressed pride in their stylish outfits, emphasizing individuality and team spirit ahead of Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Carolina Panthers ink six draft picks before rookie minicamp
Analyst shares optimistic view on Chiefs' offense for 2026 season
The Bears had a chaotic 2025 season with high turnovers but faced injury struggles and penalty luck issues.
Ric Flair backs LeBron James while calling out Luka Doncic's absence!
Houston's 'Man vs Fat Soccer' league lets players score by losing weight!
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Whether either player is available for selection on Saturday remains to be seen, with Guardiola expected to provide an update on the pair in his pre-Brentford press conference on Friday afternoon.
Even if neither is deemed ready to start, their return to the training ground represents a significant step forward for a defensive unit that has leaned heavily on Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov throughout the run-in.
Dias and Gvardiol are two of City’s most important players and their absence has been keenly felt across the second half of the season.
Gvardiol in particular has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this term, with City having already tabled a lucrative contract extension to keep the Croatian at the Etihad Stadium until 2033 amid interest from Real Madrid.
City still have the FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley to come alongside their remaining Premier League fixtures – and Guardiola will be desperate to have as many options at his disposal as possible as the season reaches its climax.
Manchester City to rename Etihad Stadium for one game only
The news that both defenders are back on the grass on Friday will have been warmly received at the Etihad Stadium.