Manchester City on Wednesday suffered a shocker defeat at the hands of Real Madrid during UEFA Champions League playoffs first leg.
After their 3-2 defeat, Pep Guardiola’s side were also in a shock after their key defender Manuel Akanji being latest player to be ruled out.
Pep Guardiola confirmed the sad news early on today and he also wished talented defender fast recovery.
Guardiola who adore the Switzerland defender said”We only wish the best recovery for Manu [Akanji], speedy.”
“Because the effort that he has done this season has been unbelievable because him and Nathan [Ake] as well played in difficult conditions; not being able to be top and to help the team in an emergency position that we had in a lack of players in that position.”
Manchester City coach went on to emphasize that there some sign that the Switzerland international defender might suffer from injury.
Guardiola said “And at the end, the body said enough is enough…”
Akanji was substituted at half time during City’s 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday after sustaining an injury to his abductor.
The Switzerland international joined players such as Jack Grealish and Nico Gonzalez who are also injured ahead of City’s Premier League.
Grealish was substituted due to what appeared to be a groin injury on Tuesday night, having been replaced by Phil Foden after 30 minutes.
Guardiola still believes that he will have his trusted soldier over the weekend’s fixture and hopes Grealish will pass late fitness test.
He said “It’s not as tough as what Manu [Akanji] has done but I don’t know if tomorrow he will be ready. I don’t think so, but we will see, we will assess in the next hours.”
City, who are fifth in the Premier League standings, host sixth-placed Newcastle on Saturday, with both teams sitting on 41 points battling for a Champions League spot.
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
