Arsenal get huge boost as Man City suffer two new injury blows after losing Josko Gvardiol

Arsenal are currently six points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League title race and Pep Guardiola's backline is now seriously depleted by injuries

Pep Guardiola has revealed Manchester City captain Ruben Dias could be sidelined for up to six weeks due to injury after also losing John Stones to a fitness issue.

The Portugal international defender was forced off in the second half of Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea due to a hamstring problem.

The blow also comes after fellow centre-back Josko Gvardiol suffered a fractured leg which requires surgery.

Guardiola said on Tuesday ahead of the home clash against Brighton: "Dias, hamstring for four to six weeks, Stones is not ready for the next games, [Nathan] Ake fine.

"Gvardiol out for a long time. You knew it before you asked it. Max [Alleyne] comes back from a loan [with Watford].

"I can cope with what I have got. Always we can cope. There is a bit of fatigue."

City are contemplating a January swoop for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi in a bid to bolster their defensive ranks.

Guehi's Palace deal expires at the end of the season but there is also interest from Liverpool, Bayern Munich and a number of Spanish clubs.

The FA Cup winners are determined to keep the England international until the end of the season when Guehi could depart as a free-agent.

City have just allowed centre-back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey to leave for FC Koln on loan following the termination of his loan with Celtic.

Max Alleyne has now arrived back at the club after City cut short his loan with Watford, which was going well.

City's statement on Gvardiol indicates the Croatian is facing a lengthy lay-off.

It read: "Manchester City FC can confirm that Josko Gvardiol has suffered a tibial fracture to his right leg.

"The injury was sustained during the second half of Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League.

"The defender will have surgery later this week and assessment remains ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the injury and expected prognosis.

"Everyone at the Club wishes Josko a speedy recovery and Man City will bring you regular updates regarding his rehabilitation."

City host Brighton on Wednesday before welcoming League One outfit Exeter to the Etihad Stadium in the FA Cup.

Meanwhile, Arsenal host Liverpool on Thursday night before travelling to Fratton Park to take on Portsmouth on Sunday in FA Cup action.