Everton vs Man City: Manchester City will be back to Premier Action this weekend and they will take on relegation-threatened Everton at Goodison Park. Injured Nathan Ake’s availability is still in doubt. Follow Premier League 2022-23 LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN
The Man City defender will be assessed by Pep Guardiola before the game. As per the updates, Man City would not take any risk ahead of an important Champions League game against Real Madrid at Etihad. Nathan Ake was also not part of the first-leg game in Madrid.
The Dutchman has struggled through injury this season and missed three games. He missed the FA Cup semifinal against Sheffield United and also missed the home game against Arsenal. The versatile defender returned after Fulham win and scored against West Ham in a 3-0 win. In next game against Leeds, Ake was substituted in the second half and later, got sidelined in a Champions League tie with Real Madrid.
Back with a bang!#MCIWHU / @NathanAke pic.twitter.com/zJ399FGm9A
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 3, 2023
Man City boss talked to the media during his pre-match press conference, and has given an update on the Dutch international. He said Ake is recovering and will be assessed ahead of the clash at Goodison Park.
While talking on match fitness, Pep Guardiola said, “I think he’s much better but I don’t know. Today we finally had a day off.”
He added, “Now we have training in a few hours and we will see.”
⏳ Nathan Ake
Pep Guardiola says he can’t give an update on the fitness of the City defender until after training today pic.twitter.com/vuvzVwsDxo
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 12, 2023
Ake’s return would be a major boost to Manchester City but Pep would directly play him at Etihad in the mid-week clash with Real Madrid. If it’s required, he can only try him as a substitute. Erling Haaland will not be risked against Everton and he will also sit on the bench.
Pep also talked about the importance of Premier League game: “My thought is just Everton, no more than that.
He added, “It’s 11 months working for the Premier League, I don’t want to be distracted for Real Madrid. We don’t have much time because we play Sunday. It’s a real, real priority the game at Goodison Park.”
Nathan Ake has been influential for Man City this season in the treble chase. The City defender has played 42 matches across all competitions including seven in the Champions League. He has played as centre-back when Pep has played the inverted full-back role and also impressed at left-back in a back four.
Manchester City are now leading the Premier table and they are also in the final of the FA Cup which will be played next month against Man United. If they beat Madrid next week, they will book their place in the Champions League final.
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