An already depleted defence was dealt further blows when Gvardiol had to be helped off the pitch after an awkward collision on the halfway line early in the second-half.
And 10 minutes from the end of normal time, our other regular centre-half Dias was forced off with the game on a knife-edge.
It’s too early to know the extent of both players’ issues, but the boss admits it could be a double defensive set-back.
“We will see tomorrow [about Gvardiol], but it doesn’t look good for him or Ruben,” said Guardiola.
Pressed if Dias had suffered a muscle problem, Pep responded: “Yes, it looks like it.
“I didn’t speak with the doctor but if Ruben is out it is because he felt something
“Of course we have a lot [of injuries]. John Stones is missing for many months; Ruben will be out and Josko will be out.
“Always we know with Nathan that he cannot play regularly.
“After what happened last season, if we stay strong we will find a solution and the spirit will be there.
“If the spirit is there, we will be there.”
Chelsea’s added time leveller denied the Blues victory on the back of a goalless draw at Sunderland.
It leaves City joint second in the Premier League, six points adrift of leaders Arsenal, with the halfway point just passed.
Overall, however, the boss was pleased with what he saw.
“We managed quite well in the first half,” he said.
“In the second half they had chances. We lost two balls in the beginning. We missed talented players at the end - two against one and three against two.
“They didn’t create much. We were extraordinary in all departments except we could not score a second or a third or a fourth.
“Of course in the second half they made a step up – in the first half they were a little more cautious and then had nothing to lose and at the end they found the reward.”
The main positive for the Blues was undoubtedly Rodri’s excellent performance and completion of a full 90 minutes following his lengthy injury setbacks this campaign.
And Pep concurred, saying: “He is an extraordinary player. His composure, he makes us play better in many things.
“The big question mark now is that in three days we have another game against a tough opponent and whether he can play or not.
“Mateo Kovacic or Nico Gonzalez are not ready so we will see how we manage.
“We will see day by day. Always that happened in the past. We will see tomorrow. And take a decision [if Rodri plays] on the day of the game.
“Wednesday is Brighton and we will see. Step by step. I don’t have a crystal ball to know what happens in the future.
“I only know [that now we] recover the players and on Wednesday it’s Brighton.
“We were close and the way we were incredible at Sunderland in the second half and today we didn’t score goals and be clinical is a part of all the stats.
“We can create chances and expected goals are higher than everyone, but we have to do it.
“As a manager what I said to the team, never could be more a part of that.
“We played really good against this team. Really good.”
City v Brighton tickets on general sale
We welcome an entertaining Brighton side to the Etihad at 19:30 (UK) on Wednesday 7 January.
And with tickets now on general sale, you could be there to see it!
Fans can now claim three tickets each, with adults from £30 and concessions as low as £15.
Or make it a night to remember with hospitality packages starting from just £180 per person and a wide range of experiences available to suit your budget.
