Manchester City have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of the Premier League title.
The Sky Blues moved three points clear of Liverpool on top of the table after a 5-0 demolition of Newcastle United on Sunday.
But Pep Guardiola has been dealt a defensive crisis after Ruben Dias was withdrawn at half-time with a muscular problem.
Guardiola confirmed after the game that Dias, Kyle Walker and John Stones would miss the remaining three games of the season.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Guardiola said: "Ruben, Kyle and John are out until the end of the season."
Nathan Ake is also struggling with an ankle complaint, with Guardiola claiming he has "three defenders for three games".
Fernandinho filled for Dias at centre-back, and asked how crucial the Brazilian was to City's title chances, Guardiola said: "A lot, otherwise, it's CJ (Ega-Riley) or (Luke) Mbete.
"In this situation it's not a problem, Rodri can play there. We have the academy. Everyone has to do extra.
"Thirteen players and a half for these games and everyone has to do more and more to help our absence. We arrive with problems and that's all. Fernandinho did good and we are going to do it."
