Josko Gvardiol
MCI
LB
Possession Builder
Jan 23, 2002 (24)
Left
6'1"
176 lb
Man CityWin and clean sheet
Gvardiol recorded one shot (zero on goal) in Saturday's 1-0 win against Coventry City.
Analysis: Gvardiol took a single shot and kept a clean sheet during Saturday's win. The defender didn't have much to do throughout the match as City thrived and controlled it. The defender should be a big part of the starting XI, especially as City try to compete in all competitions. Gvardiol can play as a left-back or center-back and is a more defensive option in whatever role he plays.
Expected to be available
Gvardiol is expected to be available for Saturday's Premier League clash against Coventry City after not being mentioned among Manchester City's injury concerns by coach Enzo Maresca.
Analysis: Gvardiol's late withdrawal against Crystal Palace raised some concern over a possible injury, but his absence from manager Enzo Maresca's latest injury update suggests the issue was minor. The defender should therefore be in contention to retain his place at left-back against Coventry, though Nico O'Reilly remains an alternative if City decide to manage Gvardiol's workload.
Dealing with possible injury
Gvardiol was subbed off late in Friday's win against Crystal Palace due to a possible injury, according to Sam Lee of The Athletic.
Analysis: Gvardiol will have a full week before the Coventry City game, but it's not a positive update either way. At best, he was cramping and will have no problems making the XI in City's next game. If it's indeed a hamstring problem, expect Gvardiol to miss time with Nico O'Reilly featuring at left-back.
Assist from defense
Gvardiol assisted once to go with one cross (one accurate) and two chances created in Friday's 4-1 win over Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Gvardiol was active in the attack Friday as he was forced to do little in the defense, notching a cross and two chances created compared to his singular tackle in defense. He would also earn an assist, finding Rayan Cherki in the 59th minute for City's third goal of the match. He is already up to two goal contributions this campaign, as he earned a goal in their opener.
Nets late winner
Gvardiol scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and one cross (one accurate) in Sunday's 2-1 win against AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Gvardiol was handed the starting role at left-back Sunday despite some debate weather he or Nico O'Reilly would start there, with O'Reilly in the midfield instead. Gvardiol would lose the clean sheet early but still earned a tackle won, a clearance and two interceptions in the defense. However, his best moment came in stoppage time, as the defender scored to give City the lead, confirmed by VAR. This is already a good start for a defender who typically sees a bit more action in the attack, as he recorded two goals and two assists last campaign in only 18 appearances (16 starts).
Inks new deal through 2031
Gvardiol has signed a new five year contract with Manchester City through 2031, according to the club.
Analysis: Gvardiol has made 122 appearances for City since joining from RB Leipzig in 2023, contributing 13 goals while helping the club win six major honours, including the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Community Shield. The 24 year old Croatian international has established himself as one of Europe's finest defenders, capable of playing both center back and left back, and has earned 52 caps for his country, including a spot in the squad at this summer's World Cup.
Replaced at halftime Tuesday
Gvardiol registered one tackle (one won) and three clearances in Tuesday's 1-0 victory over Panama.
Analysis: Gvardiol started again Tuesday, this time playing at left-back rather than in a trio of center backs like how the team lined up versus England. He played well defensively in the first half, winning four duels and one tackle and not allowing any good chances for Panama. However, due to the attack not creating anything in the first half, Gvardiol was subbed off at halftime for Andrej Kramaric as a tactical change. It's unclear how the defense will line up versus Ghana on Saturday, but almost undoubtedly Gvardiol will be a part of it.
Minimal fantasy impact in loss
Gvardiol recorded one shot (zero on goal) in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to England. He also added one clearance, one tackle and two duels won.
Analysis: Gvardiol was expected to be Croatia's main defensive asset, but he lost several battles against Harry Kane and failed to slow down an England attack that scored four times. Gvardiol should be in line for easier assignments in the next two matches against Panama and Ghana on Tuesday and Saturday, respectively.
Set for big role defensively
Gvardiol should be a key defensive piece for Croatia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Analysis: Gvardiol was limited to just four appearances (two starts) since the beginning of January after missing multiple months due to a fracture, but the defender is expected to be healthy for the World Cup. Gvardiol can be deployed both at center-back or left-back, but he's likely to anchor the defense of the Balkan side alongside either Luka Vuskovic or Duje Caleta-Car. Gvardiol could also be a threat in set-piece situations, so he's one of the players to keep close tabs on in the Croatian squad from a fantasy perspective.
Starts in return
Gvardiol (fracture) is in the starting XI for Wednesday's match against Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Gvaridol is a surprise addition to the team sheet Wednesday as he makes his return from a long break due to injury, with the defender not just with his team but starting immediately. This is a huge return for the club as they try to chase down Arsenal in the final few weeks, although there will be some questions about how fit he is. Even more importantly for the defender, it seems him earning play time ahead of the World Cup with Croatia.
Trains with team, could return
Gvardiol (fracture) has returned to team training this week and could be available to help City in the final fixtures of the season, according to coach Pep Guardiola. "Yeah he's good, he's training and feels good... Hopefully he can help us in the last part of the season and have a good World Cup with Croatia."
Analysis: Gvardiol had been sidelined since suffering a tibial fracture in January and undergoing surgery, making his return to the training pitch a significant milestone in what has been a lengthy recovery process. The Croatian left-back's availability for the final fixtures would be a major boost for City's title push, with Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov having covered the central defensive duties during his extended absence. The club will assess his fitness carefully before committing to his involvement in any upcoming fixtures.
Getting better but return not close
Gvardiol (fracture) continues to make progress in his recovery but is not yet close to returning, according to coach Pep Guardiola. "He's getting better but still he isn't close."
Analysis: Gvardiol has been sidelined since suffering a tibial fracture against Chelsea on Jan. 4 and undergoing surgery nine days later, and coach Guardiola's comments suggest a late-season return remains far from certain. City are already stretched at the back without Ruben Dias (hamstring) and John Stones (calf), making the 24-year-old's continued absence a significant concern heading into the final weeks of the campaign. The primary target remains having him fully fit for Croatia's World Cup preparations this summer rather than rushing him back for a handful of appearances, with Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov continuing to fill the void in his absence.
Targeting 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.
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