Nathan Ake joins Manchester City’s injury list in another injury blow for the champions

Manchester City’s Mr Reliable Nathan Ake has joined the champions’ lengthy injury list. The defender limped off after 27 minutes of yesterday’s nil-all draw with Arsenal. It is a blow for the world champions with such a crowded fixture list on the horizon. Ake’s injury plus the injuries sustained by Kyle Walker and John Stones over the international break mean Manchester City’s defensive stocks have taken a massive hit.

Speaking following his team’s frustrating draw with Arsenal, Pep Guardiola refused to dwell on the injuries to his defence. He said his team would push on with who they have available. He told the media: “It is what it is. He played two games this week with the national team in Holland. John will be better soon, I think. Kyle will be longer, and now Nathan will be longer. Rico played exceptionally well, and we have other guys. We will do it with the guys that we have.”

This season is quickly becoming a war of attrition for the treble winners. It has seen a steady stream of injuries suffered by the Manchester City squad. It began on the opening day when Kevin De Bruyne went down with a severe hamstring injury. There has been no respite to the injury bug for Pep Guardiola’s side since. Erling Haaland missed two months with a foot injury, and John Stones has missed a significant period of the season with various injury issues. There have been other niggling injuries to other members of the City squad as the toll of last season and this season’s exertions has been laid bare.

Nathan Ake has now become another victim of the injury bug to hit Manchester City this campaign. The champions will be hoping he isn’t set for an extended period on the sidelines given how important he is to their lineup.