Manchester City received bad news on the injury front this week. Nathan Ake went down with a hamstring during the Netherlands 2-all UEFA Nations League draw with Germany. The fact that Ake was stretchered off gave the impression that the injury sustained by Ake was a serious one. Pep Guardiola has today provided an update on the injury sustained by the versatile defender.
Speaking during his pre-game press conference ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Brentford Pep Guardiola was asked about the condition of Nathan Ake. He told the media he expected the defender to be out until the next international break. Guardiola also reminded the media of Ake’s injury record when playing for his country. He told the media: “He’s injured. I think it will be until the next international break. We are unlucky with Nathan and the national team. Every time he goes there he comes back injured.”
Pep Guardiola’s update on the injury sustained by Nathan Ake is bad news for Manchester City. Given that the champions face a heavy schedule in the coming weeks Pep Guardiola will likely need to rely on his entire squad. The loss of Ake does weaken City’s defensive stocks. But as has been seen in previous seasons the champions do have the squad capable of covering the loss of Ake.
Pep Guardiola also raised a valid point about Ake suffering an injury on international duty. It has been a common occurrence with the versatile defender in recent times. The wisdom of playing the UEFA Nations League must be questioned as the amount of games being played by the players increases. But that is a topic for another time but Pep Guardiola’s point still stands.