Manchester City’s Nathan Ake to Miss Up to 11 Weeks with Foot Fracture
Injury Blow for Manchester City
Manchester City defender Nathan Ake is expected to miss up to 11 weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a foot fracture, another injury blow for the team’s underwhelming season. Ake had surgery on Tuesday, following an aggravation of the injury during Saturday’s FA Cup fifth-round victory over Plymouth Argyle.
Guardiola on Ake’s Injury
"When you have surgery it’s serious," said Guardiola. "He has struggled a lot this season with the problems in his feet."
City’s Quest for Champions League Qualification
City travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, with both teams vying for Champions League qualification next season. Forest are currently third in the Premier League table, one point and one place ahead of Guardiola’s men, whose goal of claiming a fifth consecutive league title has unraveled.
"There are many different clubs fighting for this target. Everyone wants to be in the Champions League next season for many reasons," said Guardiola. "If it doesn’t happen for us then it’s because we haven’t been good enough and the other teams deserve it."
Pressure Remains
The Spaniard was asked whether the pressure is less since his team is not in realistic contention for the league title. "Pressure is always there in big clubs," he said. "You have to pressure yourself to do your best no matter what you’re playing for. It’s different, but the reality is that we try to finish in the top four. Tomorrow we have an opportunity to climb and help secure this target."
Injuries and Newcomers
City are also without defenders John Stones and Manuel Akanji, but newcomers Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis are expected to feature on Saturday. "The impact of Khusanov was really good," said Guardiola. "Vitor was really good against Plymouth. Now some centre backs from the academy are coming to play with us."
Grealish’s Criticism
City midfielder Jack Grealish has been the subject of negative headlines about his lifestyle recently, with former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham among the critics. "There have always been players over the years that worked OK and played hard and their football abilities fell off a cliff. Jack’s a little bit in that mould at the moment," Sheringham told Prime Casino. "They won the treble and he celebrated on that front and it doesn’t seem like he’s got back into his football mode yet. He needs to… otherwise his career might slip away." Guardiola had little to say on the matter, stating, "He’s so famous. People follow him. I have nothing to comment."
Conclusion
Manchester City’s season has been marred by injuries, with Nathan Ake’s latest setback being a significant blow. The team will need to regroup and refocus if they are to secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. With newcomers Khusanov and Reis set to debut, City will hope to bounce back from their recent dip in form.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the extent of Nathan Ake’s injury?
Ake is expected to miss up to 11 weeks with a foot fracture. - What is Manchester City’s current position in the Premier League table?
City are currently sixth, one point and one place behind Nottingham Forest. - Who are the newcomers set to debut for Manchester City?
Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis are expected to feature on Saturday.