Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has been ruled out for at least two months with an abductor injury suffered against Real Madrid.
The Swiss centre-back will miss Saturday’s home clash against Newcastle as well as next week’s crucial Champions League knockout playoff second leg against Real Madrid, while he will also be sidelined for their game against Liverpool later this month.
Akanji had to be withdrawn at half-time of the 3-2 defeat to Real at the Etihad on Tuesday and manager Pep Guardiola says the 29-year-old’s body has said “enough is enough” after a packed schedule.
Guardiola said: “He will have surgery on Saturday and eight-10 weeks out. It’s an abductor injury.
“I just wish him a speedy recovery because the effort he has put in this season has been unbelievable. Him and Nathan [Ake] have played in difficult positions.
“There has been a lack of players in that position and his body has said enough is enough.”
Team news: Grealish and Gonzalez to be assessed
Jack Grealish was also substituted after a positive start versus Los Blancos but Guardiola believes the England forward’s injury is not as severe as Akanji’s
“Not as bad as Akanji,” Guardiola added when asked of Grealish’s injury.
“I don’t know if he will be ready tomorrow, I don’t think he will be, but we will assess him in the next hours.”
January signing Nico Gonzalez had to be withdrawn on his debut against Leyton Orient last week and Guardiola said of the midfielder’s fitness: “Day by day he is getting better. He will also be assessed in a few hours.”
