- Manuel Akanji out for 8-10 weeks
- Defender to undergo thigh surgery
- Jack Grealish a doubt for Newcastle game
Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a thigh injury in Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid. The Switzerland international, 29, will undergo surgery on Saturday and is expected to be out of action for up to 10 weeks.
City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed the news on Friday, saying: “He has surgery on Saturday. Eight to 10 weeks out.” Akanji has been a key player for City this season, starting 20 of their 24 Premier League games and making 30 appearances across all competitions.
The injury is a significant blow to City’s defensive options, which have already been depleted by injuries to John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Ruben Dias. However, Guardiola praised Akanji’s efforts this season, saying: “We only wish the best recovery for Manu [Akanji]. The effort he has done this season has been unbelievable.”
Guardiola also acknowledged the impact of Akanji’s injury, saying: “Him and Nathan [Ake] have played in difficult conditions. Help the team in [an] emergency. Helped in right-back. In the end the body said enough is enough.”
In other injury news, City midfielder Jack Grealish is also a doubt for Saturday’s Premier League game against Newcastle United after suffering a groin injury in the same game as Akanji. Guardiola said: “It’s not as tough as what Manu [Akanji] has done, but I don’t know if he will be ready tomorrow. I don’t think so, but we will assess him.”
