Manchester City's defensive line faces a significant challenge as Manuel Akanji steps down for "eight to 10 weeks" due to a torn abductor muscle. The injury, sustained during the first half of City's 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, has left the team in a precarious position. Akanji, a vital player in Pep Guardiola's squad, was replaced at half-time, marking the start of his extended absence for the majority of the season.
Surgery has been scheduled for Saturday to address Akanji's injury. Pep Guardiola revealed the severity of the situation, stating,
"Surgery on Saturday. Eight to 10 weeks out. His abductor is broken."
– Pep Guardiola
This setback comes at a time when Manchester City is already grappling with a shortage of centre-back players, a concern that has forced both Akanji and Nathan Ake to play under challenging conditions. Guardiola lauded Akanji's contribution this season as "unbelievable," highlighting the defender's dedication despite the team's defensive constraints.
Akanji's injury is more severe than that of Nico Gonzalez, who also faced challenges this week. Gonzalez, who debuted for Manchester City against Leyton Orient last weekend but was forced off early, is now a doubt for the upcoming match against Newcastle on Saturday. Guardiola mentioned,
"It's not as tough as what Manu [Akanji] has done but I don't know if tomorrow he will be ready."
– Pep Guardiola
Despite playing briefly against Leyton Orient, Akanji's injury is unrelated to that performance but rather a result of the rigorous demands placed on him and Ake in recent matches. Manchester City's current predicament underscores the urgency for effective defensive strategies as they prepare to face Newcastle without two of their key defenders.
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