Manchester City’s defensive stocks appear stretched after Ake’s injury overnight | OneFootball

There was bad news for Manchester City overnight as Nathan Ake went down injured during the Netherlands 2-all UEFA Nations League draw with Germany. The injury suffered by Ake appears to be a serious one based on his reaction to the injury. But going forward Manchester City’s defensive stocks look to have taken a hit with Ake’s injury. It will now pose a dilemma for Pep Guardiola going forward. The City manager will be forced to manage his defenders without the ever-reliable Nathan Ake for the foreseeable future.

Nathan Ake went down late in the first half of Holland’s 2-all draw with Germany. His injury immediately looked serious as he went down after chasing the ball. The fact that he was forced to be stretchered off the pitch indicates that Ake suffered a serious injury. A further update on the condition of Ake is expected when Pep Guardiola fronts the media on Friday.

READ MORE: City’s English contingent shines, and Nathan Ake goes down injured overnight.

As a result of Nathan Ake’s injury Manchester City’s defensive stocks have now taken a hit. Ake is a valuable member of the City squad. His versatility means he can play in the heart of City’s defence or step in at left-back when required. How Manchester City and Pep Guardiola cover the loss of Ake will be interesting to watch for going forward.

As it stands now Pep Guardiola has Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Rico Lewis and Kyle Walker as defensive options for the foreseeable future. Each player is a quality defender in their own right. But the loss of Ake does stretch City’s defensive options. The hope is that each of City’s defenders holds up physically with Ake out injured. It is imperative that they do.

It will also be interesting to see how Pep Guardiola now manages the left-back situation., Generally Nathan Ake shares left-back duties with Josko Gvardiol. That option now appears off the table for the time being. Rico Lewis showed with his performance for England last night that he is capable of stepping in at left-back. That may be Pep Guardiola’s solution to the issue posed by Nathan Ake’s absence.

Manchester City’s defensive stocks took a hit last night with Nathan Ake’s injury. It is a cruel blow for Manchester City and the Dutch international. How the champions navigates the absence of Ake will be a story to watch for as the season kicks into gear starting this weekend against Brentford.