Nathan Ake Injury: Manchester City’s defender, Nathan Ake will be missing the 2nd leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid. City’s manager, Pep Guardiola confirmed on Tuesday that the Dutch defender is not available for the game. Ake, who missed the last two games due to a calf injury, was doubtful for the game. He also didn’t feature in the training session, which raised questions about his fitness. Notably, De Bruyne’s absence in City’s last game at Goodison Park and Rodri’s knock injury also increased the tension in the City camp.
Luckily, manager, Pep Guardiola confirmed that only Ake will be missing the game against Madrid and the rest of the squad is fit. He said, “Except Nathan, everyone is fit.”
The Dutch defender has played an important role at City this season appearing in 25 games. Guardiola has often used the defender in different positions like center back, right back, and defensive midfielder and he has delivered on all proving his versatility. However, with the kind of squad depth that City have, this won’t be a big issue for them.
Ilkay Gundogan will be missing the game for City as the defender is suspended for yellow cards.
City’s opponent, Real Madrid are also expected to be in full force for the 2nd leg with most of their players being fit. David Alaba, Rodrygo, and Karim Benzema were rested in the league game against Getafe, whereas Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Vini Jr started the game on the bench.
Ferland Mendy also made his comeback after 7 weeks. The defender was out of the squad since March 2023.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid
City have the advantage for qualifying for the finals as the game is at Ethiad and their players are in top form. However, not to forget they are up against Real Madrid, who completed a comeback, which seemed to be impossible, last season in the same tournament to knock them out.
Both teams have all their players fit and it will be a battle worth watching, where City will be eyeing to reach the finals and win the first European trophy, On the other hand, Real Madrid will be playing to add one more UCL trophy, a tournament where they are the most successful team.
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