PEP UNDAUNTED BY DEFENSIVE PROBLEMS

Manager says 'more experienced' City can cope with absences better than last season

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Manchester City's English Premier League title challenge has suffered a major setback, with manager Pep Guardiola confirming on Jan 6 that defender Ruben Dias will be out for four to six weeks with a hamstring injury, while Josko Gvardiol faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after breaking his shin bone.

Both players sustained their injuries during City's 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Jan 4.

Their absences add to City's problems in defence, with John Stones out for the past month with a thigh injury and Rayan Ait-Nouri away with Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

City sit second in the league on 42 points, six behind leaders Arsenal after 20 matches.

"Dias, hamstring for four to six weeks," Guardiola told reporters ahead of the Jan 7 home game against 10th-placed Brighton & Hove Albion. "Gvardiol out for a long time.