Josko Gvardiol
24-Year-Old
Manchester City
Premier
OUT
Injury Fracture
Est. Return 5/17/2026
2025 Fantasy Outlook
Gvardiol was arguably one of City's best players in their letdown of a 2024/25 campaign, starting 36 matches while serving between left-back and center-back, depending on where he was needed by Pep Guardiola. His two-way ability was once again on full display as he led the left flank, advancing at any chance he could to help the attack, earning him five goals despite the defender tag. He's unlikely to take a step down from this level in a system that fits perfectly to his game, though following the addition of Rayan Ait-Nouri, it does seem like he'll play more as a center-back going forward, which could lead to less time on the ball around the opponent's box.
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.
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.
Soccer Season Stats
Season Stats
Per 90
Per Game
Soccer Season Stats
Loading Per Game Stats...
2025 Soccer Game Log
Current Season
Previous Season
2025 Soccer Game Log
Loading Game Log...
Set Pieces / Depth Chart
Manchester City 2025 Set Piece Crosses and ShotsLoading Weekly Set Pieces...
#5 D
Manchester City
More Fantasy News
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
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
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
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Four shots from bench
Gvardiol recorded four shots (one on goal) in Thursday's 0-0 draw versus Sunderland.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Earns assist
Gvardiol assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Three shots from defense
Gvardiol recorded three shots (zero on goal) in Saturday's 3-0 victory against West Ham United.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Latest Fantasy Rumors
Barcelona showing interest
FC Barcelona are interested in signing Gvardiol, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
ANALYSIS
Gvardiol has been one of the most reliable defenders for Manchester City this season, whether playing as a center-back or left-back. It's not surprising to see Barcelona showing interest in the Croatia international, as he'd fulfill a glaring need in Los Blaugranas' defensive line. Manchester City aren't expected to entertain offers for their star defender, though.
Gvardiol has been one of the most reliable defenders for Manchester City this season, whether playing as a center-back or left-back. It's not surprising to see Barcelona showing interest in the Croatia international, as he'd fulfill a glaring need in Los Blaugranas' defensive line. Manchester City aren't expected to entertain offers for their star defender, though.