Manchester City under Pep Guardiola ended a seven-game winless run with a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, but the manager's joy was overshadowed by injuries to defenders Manu Akanji and Nathan Ake. The team is now short on defensive options for their upcoming matches.
The Blues returned to winning ways with a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night with a result that the manager admitted everybody at the club needed. However, the shine from winning was dimmed for Guardiola by the loss of two defenders to injury.
Manu Akanji was taken off at half-time with a problem that was flagged shortly before the break, with Kyle Walker told to warm up and then taking the Swiss defender's place for the second half. Nathan Ake then went down holding his hamstring late on after a challenge and immediately asked to be substituted, with James McAtee taking his place.
Guardiola thanked Akanji for playing with issues for the last two months but expects him to miss at least one game now, but Ake is set for a longer lay-off. That could leave City with just one senior centre-back fit for the Crystal Palace gam, with John Stones not close to a return. "The problems continue with Manu and Nathan but we prove what an incredible group of players we have at our disposal," said Guardiola. "Nathan it doesn't look good, we will see tomorrow. Manu has struggled a lot over the last two months. I thank them for the effort they do.
"I’m sad for Nathan. Manu we’ll see. Maybe not Selhurst Park but Turin. Nathan I think will be longer. Phil had bronchitis so when he has no fever he will be ready."
Manchester City Pep Guardiola Nottingham Forest Manu Akanji Nathan Ake Football Defenders Injuries
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Guardiola Clarifies Self-Harm Comments After Manchester City's DrawPep Guardiola has apologized for making light of self-harm after Manchester City's 3-3 Champions League draw with Feyenoord, clarifying that his comments about scratches on his face and body were accidental.
Read more »
Pep Guardiola: Manchester City challenges facing manger after signing contract extensionWith Pep Guardiola deciding to stay at Manchester City for at least another season, BBC Sport looks at the challenges ahead for the club.
Read more »
Manchester City: Pep Guardiola expects recovery after four consecutive defeatsManchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expecting his side to recover their best form after four consecutive defeats.
Read more »
Gary Neville: Tottenham Defeat Signals End of Pep Guardiola's Reign at Manchester CityGary Neville believes Saturday's 4-0 loss to Tottenham marks the beginning of the end for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Neville drew parallels to Manchester United's decline before Sir Alex Ferguson's departure, suggesting a similar shift is occurring at City.
Read more »
Manchester City release huge Pep Guardiola statement as Liverpool watch onLiverpool's rivals Manchester City have confirmed that their manager Pep Guardiola will remain in charge for the next two years
Read more »
Pep Guardiola Laments Low Player Confidence After Manchester City's 3-3 Draw Against FeyenoordManchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed disappointment over his team's low morale following their 3-3 draw against Feyenoord in the Champions League, after squandering a three-goal lead with just 15 minutes left.
Read more »