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Manchester City recall young defender following another injury crisis

Rodri might be back, but two more are now on the physio bench.

Danny Jones - 5th January 2026

Manchester City are reportedly recalling young centre back, Max Alleyne, following another injury to their first-team.

Alleyne returning to his parent club comes after fellow defender Joško Gvardiol had to be substituted in the game against Chelsea this past weekend.

Despite midfield cog Rodri finally being restored to the starting XI after a long period on the sidelines, it now appears like both Gvardiol and Ruben Dias could be out for some time.

As a result, Pep Guardiola and co. have decided to cut the 20-year-old’s loan spell at Championship outfit Watford FC short to bolster their ranks along the backline.

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The Italian journalist gave the reports the ‘Here We Go!’ seal of approval on Monday, 5 January, following confirmation of Gvardiol‘s ankle problem.

“Man City act fast as Josko Gvardiol will now be out for several weeks with injury”, he writes, “and so Max Alleyne returns.”

Himself a bit of a utility player, having also been deployed in defensive midfield on occasion, the Bristol-born youth academy product could prove a useful option in various positions across the pitch.

While Guardiola admitted that the versatile Croatian star’s issue “doesn’t look good” – this being the same ankle he had surgery on back in November 2025 – it remains to be seen how serious his Portuguese teammate’s muscle concern is.

Romano continues: “Alleyne has been doing great at Watford on loan… City informed the London club this morning, even if they’re very happy [with] how they managed Max over recent months. Club-to-club good relationship, City wanted Alleyne in their squad ASAP, and Watford let Max leave today.”

The England prospect has represented his country in every age group from the under-17s to Lee Carsley’s U21 side, and has certainly impressed on the national stage.

Max Alleyne vs Andorra U21s

Player.

pic.twitter.com/udmZJvJpiY
— HC (@HCfootball01) October 13, 2025

It remains unclear whether Alleyne will be the only defensive reinforcement called in this January, as Jahmai Simpson-Pusey is also being recalled but already looks set for his next loan deal.

Despite the winter window having only been open for a few days, there has already been plenty of movement in and around Greater Manchester.

For instance, while City are recalling both defenders immediately, CFG are also sending forward Claudio Echeverri straight back out on another loan, and multiple suitors are said to be monitoring Oscar Bobb.

In terms of key transfer movements, however, there’s none bigger than the news of a Bournemouth attacking winging his way to the Etihad Stadium.