“The info I had yesterday” – Pep Guardiola provides major injury boost news on Manchester City squad | OneFootball

Manchester City are expecting to welcome back central defensive and full-back option Nathan Ake into their first-team squad following the upcoming international break.

The 29-year-old was forced out of action for the Netherlands with assistance from a stretcher during the September international break, appearing to sustain a hamstring problem whilst chasing a loose ball in the 2-2 draw with Germany.

Subsequently, Ake has not featured for Manchester City in a long list of matches, and is yet to return to full first-team training with the rest of the squad at the City Football Academy, as the fixture schedule prepares to intensify from later this month.

However, it appears as though the Premier League champions have received a timely boost on the eve of another international break, with Manchester City medical staff issuing a fresh update on Nathan Ake’s recovery process to the first-team coach.

Speaking during his final pre-match press conference before the October international break, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been able to offer a huge boost on the injury and fitness front to supporters.

Having been quizzed for the latest on Nathan Ake and his recovery from a suspected hamstring injury, Guardiola revealed, “We expect him back after the international break.

“Nathan (Ake) is not like Phil Foden for example, or another player, I don’t know that in two training sessions they are fit. He needs time! I think, the info I had yesterday or the day before is that he started training on the pitch, and we will see.”

The return of Nathan Ake to the Manchester City squad will significantly ease the pressure on a number of players within the defensive unit to remain fully-fit and healthy for a prolonged period of time, whilst also adding further competition for starting places.

During his absence, Croatia international Josko Gvardiol has been able to maintain his exceptionally high standards to soften the blow of Ake’s injury, scoring a vital goal in the process during a 1-1 draw against Newcastle in the Premier League.

The 22-year-old is likely to remain Pep Guardiola’s first-choice left-back beyond Ake’s return, however it will mean that the defensive unit can be more flexible, especially at times when Manchester City are tasked with playing two games in a single week.