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.
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.
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.
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More Fantasy News
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
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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
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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
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Four shots from bench
Gvardiol recorded four shots (one on goal) in Thursday's 0-0 draw versus Sunderland.
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Earns assist
Gvardiol assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest.
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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.