Injury concerns pile up for Manchester City but they simply must overcome the issue | OneFootball

Manchester City picked up a host of fresh injury concerns during their 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday. Manuel Akanji and Jack Grealish had to be substituted during the game due it injury. Nico was on the bench for the Champions League fixture at the Etihad after picking up a knock against Leyton Orient. Pep Guardiola has provided an update on the condition of the trio ahead of Saturday’s clash with Newcastle. But despite the continuing injury issues they face, Manchester City simply must overcome the issue starting at the Etihad on Saturday.

Manuel Akanji is set for a significant spell on the sidelines.

Speaking during his pre-game press conference earlier today Pep Guardiola revealed the severity of the abductor injury Manuel Akanji suffered against Real Madrid. The Swiss international is set for a significant spell on the sidelines. Guardiola told the media: “I think it is the abductor. He will undergo surgery on Saturday, and will be 8-10 weeks out.”

The injury that Jack Grealish sustained at the Etihad isn’t as severe as the one Akanji suffered Pep Guardiola also revealed. He remains a slim chance of playing against Newcastle. But Grealish’s condition was due to be assessed at City training. When asked about Grealish’s injury Guardiola said: “It’s not as apparent right now as tough as Manu has done. But I don’t know if he’ll be ready tomorrow. We will see and assess in the next hours.”

Pep Guardiola was also asked about the fitness of new signing Nico. The Spanish midfielder was substituted 20 minutes into his debut against Leyton Orient last weekend. He missed City’s loss to Real Madrid but could play at the Etihad on Saturday as per Guardiola’s update: “He arrived with a little pain especially against Madrid he was not fully fit, but day by day he is getting better. Like I said before with Jack we’ll assess in the next few hours.”

Manchester City simply have to overcome their mounting fitness issues.

Manchester City have battled injury and fitness issues all season long. Losing Manuel Akanji for a significant period of time is yet another blow for Pep Guardiola’s side. But simply put they must overcome these issues starting against Newcastle. There’s no time for the City squad to feel sorry for themselves. There are too many crucial games to play and they must adapt and overcome the challenges they are faced with. That’s the equation in front of Pep Guardiola’s side as they prepare to face an in form Newcastle tomorrow. If they can overcome Newcastle and the injury issues they dealing with it may provide a much needed confidence boost for the Manchester City squad.