This is a World Cup year, with a global spectacle set to take place this summer across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The entire world will be watching closely. Joško Gvardiol, the Croatian international, has fully established himself at Manchester City and reached a point where he was playing the best football of his career.
Given his outstanding form, it was crucial to manage his workload carefully and protect him from serious injury. However, Pep Guardiola chose a different approach against Sunderland in the Premier League, using Gvardiol in an advanced role late in the match as City desperately searched for a breakthrough against a deep defensive block. The plan failed with Gvardiol playing almost as an attacker in attempt two to break Sunderland’s great defensive blocks and walls, and City dropped points against Sunderland.
It was already evident that Gvardiol was not fully fit, yet he also featured against Chelsea, this time in his defensive role. In the first half, Manchester City tactically dominated Chelsea, who defended deeper and more conservatively than they have in recent Premier League derbies in years.
City controlled possession high up the pitch, with Gvardiol and the rest of the defensive line dictating the tempo from Chelsea’s half. Even then, it was clear that Gvardiol was carrying an injury and was not in optimal condition to play.
In the second half, as Chelsea pushed higher up the pitch, Gvardiol suffered an injury early on and was unable to put weight on his leg. A few days later, Manchester City confirmed the worst-case scenario: Gvardiol had suffered a fracture and would be sidelined with a broken leg.
To be in such exceptional form and then suffer a broken bone in his right leg is a devastating blow, especially in a year when the World Cup is being played. This second consecutive setback for Manchester City also significantly damages their title ambitions, as closing the gap to Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table will now be extremely difficult.
Arsenal, meanwhile, navigated a demanding December schedule and eliminated Crystal Palace on penalties in the EFL Cup. Manchester City had to beat Sunderland and then Chelsea, but they have not been able to break them in open play and did not sustain enough pressure on their lines.
Just as City were rebuilding momentum, winning matches and re-entering the title race, another major setback struck. Gvardiol’s long-term injury ultimately falls on Guardiola’s shoulders, as he persisted in using the Croatian international despite clear fitness concerns.
Any potential title-winning season for Manchester City in the Premier League is one in which Gvardiol plays a central role as the team’s and league’s best defender. This is a season in which City had the strongest version of their defensive leader and the ability to break down even the most compact and disciplined opponents.
About the Author
