Manchester City have confirmed a devastating injury blow to one of their key players, MySportDab reports.
The seven-time Premier League champions are running against the tides this season and are gradually slipping off the race for the title due to a dragging run of poor results.
While the drop-off has been linked to the absence of their key defensive midfielder Rodri, it appears they are set to sweat again with another injury that will effectively blot out every glimmers of hope for a silverware this season.
Confirming updates on the availability of his players for the weekend Premier League matchup against Newcastle United, Pep Guardiola confirmed Manuel Akanji has been ruled out of action due to injury.
He also revealed the Swiss international, who has started 20 of the club’s 25 matches this season, underwent surgery on Saturday and will miss 10 weeks of action. Akanji has been key to the City defense and his absence will be a big blow to the team.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola also confirmed Jack Grealish, who picked up an ankle injury in midweek Champions League play-off knockouts against Real Madrid, is a doubt for the game.
However, he added the English attacking midfielder will be assessed in the next few hours to ascertain his fitness and chances of returning to action against the Magpies.
Another player who is also a doubt for the match is new signing from FC Porto Nico Gonzalez. Addressing Gonzalez’s availability, Pep lauded the player for his gradual improvement but added he will also be assessed to ascertain his availability for the match.
Manchester City will hope to shoved their 3-2 home defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League in midweek and return to winning ways against the Magpies.
