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Ahead of a crucial week for Manchester City two key defensive pieces return to training

Originally posted on Esteemed Kompany | By Adam Marrett | Last updated 4/15/24

Following on from their 5-1 win over Luton Town, another crucial week lies ahead for Manchester City. The week ahead has the potential to be season defining for Pep Guardiola’s side. Such is the stakes at this stage of the season every game is potentially season defining. Given what’s at stake in City’s next two fixtures, it does feel like a massive week ahead for the world champions.

On Wednesday evening, they will take on Real Madrid in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie. Following on from that, another Wembley trip beckons for the FA Cup holders as they take on Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final. With a big week ahead for the treble winners, they have been boosted by the return of two key defensive pieces to training.

In images shared via the official Manchester City X account, Nathan Ake has resumed full training. The defender had been out since City’s nil-all draw with Arsenal due to a calf injury. His return is a welcome boost for Pep Guardiola’s side given the busy schedule they have in front of them.

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— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 14, 2024

There was also positive news from Pep Guardiola on Manchester City’s captain Kyle Walker. Guardiola told the media following his team’s win over Luton Town that Walker would resume training this week. Guardiola said: “He feels much better, but he is injured, and now we will see, next days. But it’s good. If he feels good, maybe he can help us with minutes because it’s a final, but I don’t want to lose him for a long time if he gets injured. We will decide. Tomorrow (Sunday) he is going to train a little bit. We will see what happens.”

Ahead of another crucial week in Manchester City’s treble defence, they have been boosted by the return of two key defensive pieces from injury. With Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake back in training, Pep Guardiola now has a full squad to work with. Given what lies ahead, it could be crucial to Manchester City’s chances of winning silverware on three fronts once again over the final stages of this season.

This article first appeared on Esteemed Kompany and was syndicated with permission.

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