Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that centre back Manuel Akanji will be out for at least two months after tearing his adductor during the midweek Champions League clash against Real Madrid. City had led 2-1 with only five minutes left to play but conceded two late goals to the holders and lost 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium.
Besides the defeat, City also lost both Akanji and Jack Grealish to injuries in the first half. Grealish was withdrawn halfway through the half but Akanji played to the break before being ruled out. Guardiola said Akanji will have an operation on Saturday and will be out for 8-10 weeks. He heaped praise on Akanji’s work this season, spotlighting how key the player has been to keeping the defense coherent during abroad of injuries to Nathan Aké, Ruben Dias and John Stones.
Guardiola did not fully rule out Grealish for the looming Premier League visit to Newcastle United but accepted the 29-year-old is unlikely to be fit to play. City’s medical staff would also assess Nico Gonzalez, who suffered a knock in his debut against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup, added the manager.
City supporters will be hoping their ailing stars recover quickly as they push on in three competitions.
