Manchester City might have to play against Arsenal without one of their key defenders. Manuel Akanji is set for an early return from international duty after picking up an injury.
Manchester City Sweating Over Fitness of Key Centre-Back
Citizens Almost Survived International Break
The March international break starts when the Premier League title contenders prepare for the final phase of the campaign. As such, they are unwilling to send key players to their respective national teams.
This year, Manchester City had to send a total of 16 players on international duty while five of their senior stars, including Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne, stayed at the club.
The Citizens almost ended the break without an injury blow despite the fact that their international stars played more minutes than their title rivals. However, they received some bad news on Akanji.
Switzerland Manager Offers Update on Akanji
The defender played for 90 minutes in Switzerland’s goalless draw against Denmark on Saturday. However, he won’t be available to play in his nation’s next friendly match due to a fitness problem.
Speaking ahead of Switzerland’s upcoming game against Ireland, manager Murat Yakin confirmed the injury (via City Xtra). The nature of the Swiss international’s injury and his return date are still unknown. He is expected to return to Manchester for further examination.
Manchester City Injury List
Akanji, who has been praised by Jamie Carragher as a “brilliant” defender, is in a race against time to get fit for his side’s crucial match against Arsenal on Sunday.
Fellow defender Kyle Walker also limped off the pitch in England’s 1-0 defeat against Brazil over the weekend. However, the 33-year-old is expected to be available for City’s first match after the break.
De Bruyne and Grealish returned to team training on Monday. After completing their recovery from groin injuries, both players will be available to play for the Citizens next weekend.
Following their match against Arsenal, Manchester City will take on Aston Villa and Crystal Palace in the Premier League before travelling to Santiago Bernabeu for a crucial Champions League clash against Real Madrid on April 9.
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