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Ake, Stones, Bobb - Man City injury news and return dates ahead of Nottingham Forest clash

A look at the latest City injury situation ahead of their trip to Nottingham Forest

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Manchester City make the trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday lunchtime looking to leapfrog their opponents in the Premier League table.

In what is a huge clash in the race for Champions League qualification, City can move ahead of Forest and into third place with a win at the City Ground.

But defeat will leave them four points adrift of their rivals, who have upset the odds so far this season with their superb league form.

Pep Guardiola will be without five key players through injury in the East Midlands, too. Here's a rundown of the current injury situation at the club.

Nathan Ake

Injury: Foot

The defender was forced off at half time against Plymouth with another injury in a season of knocks and issues both for the Dutchman and the defence as a whole.

Guardiola has confirmed he will be out for up to 11 weeks after undergoing surgery on a foot injury.

"Ten to eleven weeks, they said. When it is surgery, it is pretty serious and something wrong happened," Guardiola said of Ake. "He struggled a lot this season with the problems in his feet and it happened."

Possible return date: vs Bournemouth (H) - Sunday, May 18

Rodri

Injury: anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)

Rodri has been working hard on his recovery in recent months and has stepped up his recovery. Guardiola teased a possible return ahead of the FA Cup win over Plymouth and the midfielder was on the pitch at the Etihad going through a few drills. He has taken part in an individual training session at the CFA but despite his ambitions to play again before the end of the season and Guardiola's comments, a return is not thought to be imminent..

Possible return date: May/June.

Oscar Bobb

Injury: broken leg

Bobb has not featured in any capacity for City so far this season after breaking a bone in his leg during a training session in pre-season. He has suffered a couple of minor setbacks since his initial return but is now training again.

“He is getting better, training yesterday and today as well,” said Guardiola last week. “It has been longer than we expected, but hopefully he can finish and help us in the last part of the season.

“We want to help him desperately. It’s been a tough period for him but always there is light at the end of the tunnel, this is life and especially in sport.”

Possible return date: Unknown.

John Stones

Injury: Thigh

Stones was forced off after just eight minutes against Madrid and it was feared he could require surgery and be sidelined for the rest of the season. But Guardiola offered a positive update last month that means he could return before the campaign is out.

Possible return date: April/May.

Manuel Akanji

Injury: muscle

Akanji faces an extended spell on the sidelines after tearing his adductor muscle in the 3-2 defeat to Madrid at the Etihad Stadium. He was forced off at half-time and Guardiola anticipates he may be out for more than two months.

He said last month: "Surgery on Saturday (last weekend). Eight to ten weeks out. His adductor is broken. We wish the best recovery for Manu because the effort he has done this season has been unbelievable."

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Possible return date: late April.

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