Manchester, Nov 22 (PTI) Manchester City's midfield problems have mounted after Mateo Kovacic was ruled out for up to a month by manager Pep Guardiola because of an undisclosed injury.

Guardiola confirmed Kovacic returned from the international break injured. The midfielder was hurt playing for Croatia against Portugal in the Nations League, and was substituted at halftime.

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“Will be a while,” Guardiola said. “Three weeks or a month.”

Kovacic's importance to City has grown with Rodri, the team's first-choice holding midfielder, having been ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury. Ilkay Gundogan, who is 34, might have to drop back to play at the base of midfield.

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Guardiola had better news about his defense, with center backs John Stones and Manuel Akanji returning to training and Nathan Ake also available.

“I don't know if they're ready to play 90 minutes, but to see their faces in the training session is really good,” Guardiola said.

City, the defending champion, has lost its last four games in all competitions and next plays Tottenham at home in the Premier League on Saturday.

City is second in the league, five points behind Liverpool. (AP) UNG 7/21/2024

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