Man City news: Pundit issues ‘massive’ title claim after Ruben Dias picture emerges
Man City have received “a massive boost” in the title race after Ruben Dias returned to training.
That is according to 2000 European Golden Shoe winner Kevin Phillips, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the 24-year-old’s fitness.
As pictured by City Xtra (17 March), Dias returned to training last week as he steps up his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Speaking on Sunday, as quoted by the Daily Mail (20 March), Pep Guardiola revealed the centre-half is “getting better” and suggested he could return in time to face Liverpool on 10 April.
However, he added that club doctors have urged caution when it comes to Dias.
When asked for his reaction to the news, Phillips told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs:
“When you get to this stage of the season, no matter who you are, it is a huge boost to get one of your best players coming back.
“To have Dias out on the grass gives everyone a lift. To see someone like him running next to you and joining in the warm up gives everyone a huge lift.
“When you watch Man City, you could argue that they haven’t missed him. They have coped but they have dropped points. To have a top player like him come back ahead of the run in is great news.
“It is clearly a two-horse race for the Premier League title to that will be a massive boost. Dias is their best defender. Guardiola will be over the moon to have him back.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has issued a two-word verdict on Man City signing Erling Haaland amid ‘£180m’ claim.