Manchester City Hit by Major Injury Blow
The 30-year-old was forced off at halftime during City’s 3-1 FA Cup victory over Plymouth Argyle last weekend
Ake’s absence comes at a crucial stage of the season, with City still competing on multiple fronts.
Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed the news in a press conference, expressing disappointment at losing a key defensive option.
“Nathan Ake will be unavailable for about ten or eleven weeks,” Guardiola stated.
“He has struggled a lot this season with foot problems, and unfortunately, the injury required surgery. When surgery is needed, it means the issue is serious.”
Ake's Absence Leaves Defensive Gaps
The injury to Ake compounds City’s defensive struggles, as both John Stones and Manuel Akanji are also on the sidelines.
With a packed fixture schedule ahead, Guardiola will have to rely on a reduced defensive lineup, increasing the workload on key players such as Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol.
Manchester City face Bournemouth in the FA Cup quarter-finals, and Ake’s absence will test the squad’s depth in the coming weeks.
The Premier League champions will need to adapt quickly to maintain their title challenge while also competing in the Champions League.
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XI | Ederson, Nunes, Khusanov, Dias (C), Gvardiol, Nico, Bernardo, Savinho, Foden, Doku, Haaland
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Nathan Ake's Contributions to Manchester City
Since his arrival from Bournemouth in 2020 for €45 million, Ake has played a crucial role in City’s defensive setup.
Over his 143 appearances for the club, he has scored 10 goals and provided three assists, proving to be a reliable and versatile defender.
Currently valued at €35 million, Ake has been a key figure in City’s recent successes, including last season’s historic treble-winning campaign.
His absence will be felt both defensively and in terms of squad rotation.
City’s Road Ahead Without Ake
With Ake out for over two months, Guardiola will need to make tactical adjustments to cope with the defensive crisis.
The team will have to navigate crucial Premier League fixtures, Champions League ties, and FA Cup clashes without a key part of their defensive setup.
As City push forward in their bid for more silverware, fans will hope for a swift recovery for Ake, whose presence has been vital in their defensive solidity.
The Dutchman’s return towards the end of the season could prove pivotal in City’s pursuit of glory across multiple competitions.
