Josko Gvardiol
MCI
Left Back
Possession Builder
Jan 23, 2002 (24)
Left
6'1"
176 lb
Offers attacking threat in defeat
Gvardiol recorded three shots (two on goal) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-1 loss to Aston Villa.
Analysis: Just like Abdukodir Khusanov, Gvardiol provided an attacking threat from the back, but from the left side. He took the joint-most shots (three), with two on target and created two chances against Aston Villa. The Croatian also had six touches in the opposition box, made eight defensive contributions and maintained a 70% ground duel win rate. Despite a lower aerial duel win rate (40%), Gvardiol had a good game apart from the fact that his side lost the match.
Remains fit after back concern
Gvardiol is not dealing with any real concern after picking up a back problem during Tuesday's win over AEK Athens, as coach Enzo Maresca said "He had a small problem during the warm-up in his back but he could play, and he was OK," per TNT Sports.
Analysis: Gvardiol appeared on the left side of a back four and played 72 minutes in the UCL clash, making his usual defensive impact but otherwise failing to get heavily involved. Having cleared a minor injury scare, the versatile defender should continue to be available for upcoming contests. The Champions League outing was his third of the season in that competition, coming after a couple of limited appearances in league play, which may give him enough rest to retain a starting spot in the short term.
Substitute again
Gvardiol had one cross (zero accurate) and one clearance in Saturday's 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 97th minute.
Analysis: Gvardiol was once again on the bench for league action, with the defender playing 29 minutes from the bench Saturday. This comes after he started in midweek action against PSG in UCL play, likely to continue seeing rotation this season due to City's depth and busy schedule. With Nico O'Reilly (back) also dealing with some discomfort, Gvardiol could be in for more time moving forward.
Assists against Liverpool
Gvardiol assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 3-0 win over Liverpool.
Analysis: Gvardiol created one chance and made the most of it during Sunday's win, as he provided an assist. The defender doesn't offer much in the attack, but he made the most of his chances during Sunday's win. He will hope to build off this performance in the coming weeks as City head into a difficult run in all competitions.
Earns late assist
Gvardiol assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Sunday's 5-3 victory against Sunderland.
Analysis: Gvardiol earned yet another goal contribution from his defensive position, with the defender finding Erling Haaland in the 81st minute for an assist. This is already his third goal contribution of the season, just five games into the season, earning one goal and two assists. He would also add two interceptions and four clearances in the defense as City allowed three goals.
Four tackles defensively
Gvardiol generated one shot (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Sunday's 1-0 victory versus Manchester United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 79th minute.
Analysis: Gvardiol would play the full 90 Sunday as he helped his team to a clean sheet, earning four tackles (two won) and three clearances in the defense. He would also add a shot and a cross in the attack, still pushing forwards heavily despite his left-back role. That said, he did have a goal and an assist in the club's first two games of the season.
Win 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.
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