\n<\/p>\n
Manchester City<\/b><\/a> defender Josko Gvardiol will have surgery later this week after breaking his shinbone in Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with <\/b>Chelsea<\/b><\/a>. <\/b><\/p>\n Croatia international Gvardiol, 23, was withdrawn after 51 minutes against Chelsea<\/a>, while his fellow central defender Ruben Dias also went off injured half an hour later. <\/p>\n In a statement, City said they were still trying to “ascertain the full extent” of Gvardiol’s injury and his expected recovery time.<\/p>\n In a post on Instagram,, external<\/span><\/a> Gvardiol thanked fans for their support and wrote: “This is a hard moment, but it will never define me. I know who I am and where I come from.”<\/p>\n He added: “I’ll fight every day to return stronger. I will rise again, better than ever.”<\/p>\n Meanwhile, City have recalled academy product Max Alleyne from his loan spell at Championship side Watford and he could be involved in the squad for Wednesday’s Premier League game against Brighton<\/a>.<\/p>\n The 20-year-old – son of former England cricketer and current Gloucestershire head coach Mark Alleyne – made 17 appearances for the Hornets after joining on a season’s loan. <\/p>\n But with England centre-back John Stones also currently sidelined, that deal has been cut short as Pep Guardiola’s side, who are exploring a January move<\/a> for Crystal Palace<\/a> captain Marc Guehi, try to tackle their growing injury crisis in defence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n