Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have been dealt a major blow following confirmation that Dutch defender, Nathan Ake, will be sidelined for the foreseeable future after picking up a foot injury.
The Netherlands international left the pitch during City’s 3-1 win over Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup last weekend, with Guardiola confirming that he would join fellow defenders John Stones and Manuel Akanji on the sidelines for a ‘long time’.
“Nathan Ake has undergone successful surgery on a fracture in his left foot,” A statement from the Cityzens read. “The City defender was substituted at half-time of Saturday’s FA Cup fifth round victory over Plymouth at the Etihad Stadium after aggravating the problem which has caused him discomfort during the course of his career.”
The statement continued, “He will now rest and recover before starting a period of rehabilitation. Everyone at City wishes Nathan a speedy recovery.”
Ake himself revealed he underwent surgery earlier in the week to correct the problem prior to City’s official statement.
The injury leaves Ruben Dias, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis as the only centre-back options for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Akanji and Stones could be back in May but no word was said on when Ake could return.