Manchester City take on Everton at the Etihad in a crucial Premier League fixture on Boxing Day. Pep Guardiola’s side trained later on Christmas Day ahead of the match. It appears that Pep Guardiola’s side looks to have received a boost with two defenders pictured training earlier today. That is welcome news for Manchester City as they look to arrest their recent slide.
In images shared on mancity.com Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji have both been pictured training. Akanji played the full 90 minutes against Aston Villa last Saturday. Nathan Ake was an unused substitute in the 2-1 defeat to Unai Emery’s side. But with both players pictured training it would suggest that they should be available for City’s pivotal fixture against Everton.
Hard at work 💪 pic.twitter.com/6rBNKcVuOh
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 25, 2024
John Stones wasn’t pictured training ahead of the clash with Everton. The England international was substituted at halftime of Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend. It would appear that the injury he sustained against Unai Emery’s side will keep him out of Manchester City’s Boxing Day fixture.
But the news of Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji training ahead of the match is welcome news for Pep Guardiola’s side. Manchester City’s defensive stocks have been depleted of late as injuries have ravaged City’s defence. If Akanji and Ake got through training unscathed it should see them both be available to start the match against Everton. Manchester City will be hoping to return to winning ways at the Etihad on Boxing Day. If Ake and Akanji can start the match that would be a huge boost to City’s chances of picking up three points against a determined Everton lineup.