Manchester City has been dealt a significant blow with the news that centre-back Manuel Akanji is set to be sidelined for eight to ten weeks due to a groin injury. The Swiss international's absence will undoubtedly impact the team's performance in the coming weeks, adding another layer of challenge to an already underwhelming campaign.
Akanji was forced off at half-time during City’s Champions League fixture loss against Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday. Following this, it was confirmed by manager Pep Guardiola in a press conference on Friday that he requires surgery and is expected to be out of action for "eight to ten weeks". This timeline suggests that he will miss most of the remaining season.
The 29-year-old defender's injury is just one in a series of setbacks that have plagued Manchester City this season. Guardiola hinted at Akanji’s willingness to play when not fully fit as a contributing factor towards his current predicament.
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager, said:
“Surgery on Saturday – his abductor is ‘broken’. We wish the best recovery for Manu – speedy – because the effort he has done this season has been unbelievable.
“He and Nathan (Ake) have played in difficult conditions, not being on top, to help the team in emergency conditions due to the lack of players in those positions. In the end, the body said ‘enough is enough’.”
Impact on team performance
With key players like Akanji sidelined due to injuries, Manchester City faces an uphill battle in maintaining their competitive edge. The team has been struggling with form and consistency throughout this campaign, and losing such an influential player could further exacerbate these issues.
In addition to losing their star centre-back, midfielder Jack Grealish also suffered an injury during the match against Real Madrid. He lasted only half an hour before being substituted out of the game and is now rated doubtful for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Newcastle United. This double blow leaves Guardiola with limited options as he attempts to navigate through these challenging times while keeping his team competitive in both domestic and European competitions.
Manuel Akanji's extended absence from Manchester City due to his groin injury represents another hurdle for the team to overcome in an already challenging season. With additional injuries affecting key players like Jack Grealish, the team will need to dig deep and show resilience to maintain their competitive edge. As sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike watch these developments with keen interest, only time will tell how Manchester City will adapt and respond in the face of adversity.
