Manchester City’s Defender Sidelined After Surgery on Long-Standing Injury | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Ake Faces Race Against Time After Surgery

Setback for City as Ake Undergoes Surgery

Manchester City’s defensive woes deepened with the news that Nathan Ake faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines following surgery on a fractured left foot. The Netherlands international has endured an injury-hit campaign, and his latest setback leaves City scrambling for options at the back.

Ake, 30, has established himself as a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s squad since his move from Bournemouth in 2020. However, persistent fitness issues have restricted him to just 18 appearances this season. His latest injury blow came during City’s FA Cup fifth-round win over Plymouth Argyle, where he was forced off at half-time after aggravating a long-standing problem.

Photo: IMAGO

Guardiola’s Honest Assessment on Ake’s Absence

“When it is surgery, it is pretty serious,” admitted Guardiola, emphasising the significance of Ake’s latest setback. “When you have surgery it is because something wrong happened. It is important it was done. He has struggled.”

City’s medical staff estimate a recovery period of “ten or 11 weeks,” according to Guardiola, making Ake a serious doubt for the remainder of the club’s Premier League campaign. The Dutchman faces a race against time to return before City’s final fixture of the season against Fulham on 25 May.

Defensive Crisis as Champions League Battle Intensifies

The timing could not be worse for City. Already dealing with injuries to fellow centre-backs John Stones and Manuel Akanji, Guardiola now faces a major selection dilemma as his side fights to secure a Champions League spot.

City currently sit fourth in the Premier League, one point behind third-placed Nottingham Forest, whom they face in a pivotal clash on Saturday at 12:30 GMT. Meanwhile, Chelsea and Newcastle lurk in fifth and sixth, keeping the pressure firmly on Guardiola’s side.

What Lies Ahead for Ake and City?

While a return before the season’s end appears unlikely, Ake should be fit for the Netherlands’ Nations League semi-final in June, should his country qualify. Beyond that, City’s summer schedule includes a Club World Cup campaign in the United States—an opportunity for Ake to regain rhythm ahead of next season.

For now, though, City must navigate their critical run-in without one of their most dependable defenders. Guardiola’s tactical ingenuity will be tested once more as he attempts to plug the gaps in an already stretched backline.