Pep Guardiola has confirmed Manchester City will need to be cautious regarding Nathan Ake.
The Dutchman is currently thought to be City’s only major injury concern heading into a historic couple of weeks for the club.
Having sealed the Premier League title, Guardiola’s side meet Manchester United and Inter Milan in the FA Cup and Champions League final during the first fortnight of June.
Despite summer interest from former club Chelsea, Ake has emerged as a key player at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola spoke of the need to include a “proper defender” in his backline after straying from the 4-3-3 system he had adopted for most of his career.
The 28-year-old has made 38 appearances across all competitions this season but has recently been suffering from a hamstring injury.
With little left to play for in the Premier League, Guardiola suggested the defender would likely be rested until the trips to Wembley and Istanbul.
“He’s getting better. He’s at the latter stage (of his recovery),” said the City boss.
“We have to be careful after a second time being injured. In case we need him for United of Inter.”
