Manchester City head to Spain to take on Real Madrid this week and just days before this key encounter, Nathan Ake has picked up another injury.
The defender had just made a comeback from a muscle injury which kept him out of action for around two weeks and now, in a major setback, the 28-year-old seems to have sustained yet another muscle issue during the weekend.
Nathan Ake went down clutching his thigh during the second half on Saturday, following which he was promptly withdrawn to be replaced by Kyle Walker.
Speaking after the Leeds match, the Manchester City manager has failed to provide any major update on the injury which is a clear sign that Ake is a doubt for the 1st leg at the Bernabeu.
Pep told the press: “I didn’t speak with the doctor but apparently if he asked to, you know… we will see in the next days.”
Man City travel to Spain on Monday which means Nathan Ake has less than 48 hours to make a full recovery. The extent of the injury is not known yet but if it is a hamstring injury then there’s no way he will be able to feature in the starting line up on Tuesday night.
If the Dutch international is missing then it’s good news for Kyle Walker who has been finding it hard to get game time ever since Guardiola has shifted to a three-man defensive line.
However, if Ake is missing then Manuel Akanji will move to the left-hand side with Kyle Walker coming in on the right side.
Nathan Ake has been really influential in maintaining Man City’s defensive cohesiveness during the second half of the season so if he is missing then it will certainly be a big blow.
Thankfully, Pep Guardiola has enough defensive cover not to be worried.
The Manchester City boss will address the press on Monday afternoon and that is when we will know for sure what his strategy will be and if Ake will be available or not.
