Manuel Akanji is still battling injury problems
Manchester City’s problems are mounting after they fell to a dramatic defeat against Manchester United on Sunday.
That was the eighth time Pep Guardiola’s side have been beaten in 11 matches, leaving them with a mountain to climb if this is to be a successful season domestically or in Europe. City led in the 87th minute but still found a way to lose to their rivals.
There was some positive news against United, with Phil Foden fit to start and Mateo Kovacic coming off the bench in the second-half. John Stones was also among the substitutes and was ready to come on, only for a late Bruno Fernandes penalty to force Guardiola into a change of plan.
However, there are still injury problems in defence, with Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake continuing to battle problems.
Here’s a look at the latestManchester City injuries...
Manuel Akanji
Manuel Akanji missed the derby defeat to Manchester United, having not played since his side’s win over Nottingham Forest earlier this month.
The defender came off at half-time in that match and Guardiola confirmed ahead of the clash with United that Akanji had been playing through the pain before his absence.
“Manu has discomfort in the area for the pelvis, abductor,” Guardiola said.
“He plays 45 minutes [against Forest] and after had to step back and say ‘I have to recover or I can’t compete’. Manu is a strong player and so reliable but in that moment he cannot be there.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Nathan Ake
It has been a frustrating season for Nathan Ake, who has been able to make only eight appearances in all competitions.
He came off late against Forest and has missed the three games since then, with no fresh update given after Guardiola revealed his worry immediately after that match.
"Ake’s injury doesn’t look good,” the City boss said.
Potential return date: Unknown
Nathan Ake is facing another spell on the sidelines
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Oscar Bobb
Oscar Bobb is slowly nearing a return to first-team action, to end what has been a painful few months for the 21-year-old.
He had been set to play an important role for City this term, having looked so impressive in pre-season, but he suffered a serious leg fracture in training just days before the season began.
“I think, January or February, he will be ready,” Guardiola said in October when asked when Bobb could be available again.
Potential return date: January or February 2025
Rodri
Ballon d’Or winner Rodri watched on from the stands as his City team-mates were left stunned against United on Sunday.
The midfielder is still in the early stages of his recovery from an ACL injury, having undergone surgery which is likely to keep him out for the rest of the season.
However, Rodri revealed he could make a return before next summer, having made better progress than he expected in recent months.
Rodri told The Rest is Football podcast: "My target is to come back this season. I don't give up on this season, [but] I don't want to make any mistakes. My target is six or seven months.
"I am doing much better than I thought.”
Potential return date: Summer 2025