Pep Guardiola is sorely missing Man City star that's not Rodri as January transfer reality clear

Popular TNT Sports co-commentator Ally McCoist believes Manchester City have rued the absence of Ruben Dias almost as much as Rodri.

Dias missed four games with a calf injury before being named on the bench versus Feyenoord in Wednesday’s Champions League 3-3 collapse. City have conceded 15 goals in the five matches he has sat out since sustaining his issue, including seven in the last two games.

The 27-year-old could return to action at Anfield in Sunday’s giant clash with Liverpool, when the Blues are in danger of slipping 11 points behind the Premier League leaders with a defeat. McCoist suggests the absence of Dias has contributed to the club going winless across the whole of November.

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Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, he said: “I think they’re missing Ruben Dias if not just as much as Rodri then I think that one heck of a lot.

"There is one thing that is clearly evident - we’re all aware they are missing Rodri [but] I think we're all really surprised at just how much they've missed Rodri.

“However, I stand by it - I think they miss Ruben Dias in the centre of defence, for similar reasons. I think he gives the stability in the heart of the defence. He gives you organisational skills.”

McCoist, meanwhile, believes Guardiola is struggling to find a solution to the hole left by Rodri, who is expected to be out for the season. He suggests Man City could look for reinforcement in January but is unsure how fruitful such a search would be.

McCoist continued: “Rodri’s general play, breaking things up and defensively is a big miss for them. Pep hasn’t solved the problem.

"They’ve tried one or two in there, whether it’s Mateo Kovacic or Rico Lewis. But that problem hasn't been solved. It really hasn't. And I would say that's maybe in danger of becoming a mental problem.

“I mean, 17 goals have conceded in the last six games is staggering. I’m not sure if it’s a mental thing right now, but it’s in danger of turning into one.”

He added: “I think they might go out in January but I'm not sure it's the best window. Because effectively if teams are running for things, they don't want to sell the best players which makes sense. So, you don't necessarily always get the best or the key player.

“Sometimes in January, it can look like a little bit of a panic buy. Whether it’s to win a league or stay in the division, I totally understand [buying in January], but I'm just not sure it's the best window.

“However, I think if City don't pick up - and I expect them to and turn a corner - but if they don’t then, it would not surprise me if they went and signed someone during the window.”

Ally McCoist was speaking to the Manchester Evening News courtesy of TalkSPORT BET.