Nathan Ake has put to bed any injury concerns after completing 90 minutes in the Netherlands’ 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland. City’s Dutch defender was under an injury cloud after going at half-time of Holland’s _ win over last week.
It is good news for Manchester City after there were reports of Ake picking up a hamstring injury against Greece in a 3-nil win. Holland manager Ronald Koeman said Ake was withdrawn as a precaution, and with him completing 90 minutes against Ireland that has proved to be the case.
Nathan Ake has proven to be one of Manchester City’s most important players in recent times. He was exceptional last season as Pep Guardiola’s squad secured the treble. He has had an injury-interrupted start to this campaign. He picked up a calf injury during Manchester City’s pre-season tour of Asia. Ake limped in City’s 2-1 friendly win over Bayern Munich in Japan during the first half.
He most recently featured for the treble winners in the 5-1 win over Fulham. He added City’s second goal in the resounding 5-1 win under controversial circumstances. PGMOL later admitted the goal shouldn’t have stood with Manuel Akanji in an offside position as Ake headed home.
With Nathan Ake getting through 90 minutes for the Netherlands, it is a positive for the champions. Pep Guardiola’s side return to Premier League action away to West Ham this weekend. Following the clash with the Hammers, the fixtures ramp up with the UEFA Champions League beginning on the 20th of September. City seeks to defend their crown with a home clash against Red Star Belgrade to open the competition.