Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has provided an injury update on Phil Foden, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji ahead of the Cityzens’ trip to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.
After going seven games without a victory across all competitions, Manchester City finally got back to winning ways on Wednesday night, comfortably dispatching Nottingham Forest 3-0 courtesy of goals from Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku.
Three points sees the Cityzens move up to fourth place in the Premier League table, albeit briefly if Brighton are able to beat Fulham by two goals or more on Thursday, nine points adrift of league leaders Liverpool.
Their victory over Nuno Espirito Santo’s side didn’t come without its costs however, as defensive duo Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake were both withdrawn due to injury.
City boss Pep Guardiola provided the latest on the pair, as well as on Phil Foden, following the full-time whistle.
Manchester City Injury Update: “It Doesn’t Look Good” For Ake
Speaking to the media, Guardiola confirmed the injuries, suggesting that Ake faces a lengthier spell on the sidelines than Akanji due to an apparent hamstring issue.
“The problems continue with Manu [Akanji] and Nathan [Ake] but we prove what an incredible group of players we have at our disposal,” he said.
“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 [vs Juventus on December 11]. Nathan I think will be [out for] longer.”
Guardiola also confirmed that Foden, who had started nine games in succession across all competitions prior to Wednesday, missed Forest’s visit due to illness: “Phil had bronchitis, so when he has no fever, he will be ready.”
Elsewhere, City remain without Mateo Kovacic (unspecified), John Stones (foot), Rodri (knee) and Oscar Bobb (leg).
Despite their poor form as of late and their growing injury crisis, the UK’s best football betting sites still see the reigning champions as clear favourites to come out on top against the Eagles on Saturday.
