Pep Guardiola has provided updates on both Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji ahead of the weekend’s fixture against Crystal Palace.
Manchester City finally returned to winning ways on Wednesday with a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, bringing their rotten run of seven games without victory to an end.
However, the win came at a cost as yet more injuries were dealt to Pep Guardiola’s squad, with the backline suffering two more blows.
Both Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji were forced off the field in the match and Guardiola has now revealed whether they will be able to play in Saturday’s game against Crystal Palace.
Nathan Ake of Manchester City requires medical attention after becoming injured during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Nott...
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Man City team news vs Crystal Palace
Guardiola has confirmed that Ake will miss Saturday’s match, with the Dutchman set for more time on the sidelines after suffering yet another hamstring strain.
Ake injured his hamstring in the September international break and didn’t play again until after the October one and will now miss even more games.
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However, Guardiola suggested there is hope Akanji could be fit to play and a late decision will be made on the Swiss following an unspecified knock.
“Nathan is out,” Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference. “Manu we will see.”
On the injured trio of Phil Foden, John Stones and Mateo Kovacic, Guardiola added: “Still, they are out.”
Guardiola could have a real selection problem in defence
City are down to the bare bones at the back for Saturday’s trip to Selhurst Park, with at least two centre-backs ruled out and the other a serious doubt.
The only one that is fit, Ruben Dias, has himself only recently returned from a lengthy absence as well.
If Akanji isn’t fit, then Guardiola may have to name a makeshift back four. Jahmai Simpson-Pusey has made four appearances this season but has struggled at points and it might be an error to play him against the physical Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Instead, the Blues boss could opt to move Josko Gvardiol into the middle with Rico Lewis moving to left-back or starting Kyle Walker as a centre-back and keeping Lewis on his natural flank.
So there are still a few options available to Guardiola but they are quickly running out.
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