Man City injury update: Nathan Ake, Rodri, Oscar Bobb and John Stones latest news and return dates | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola is almost down to the bare bones with regard to central defenders

Manchester City have received some mixed news on the injury front following their FA Cup fifth round win over Plymouth.

After Man City returned to form with a 1-0 victory over Tottenham last Wednesday, Pep Guardiola did not report any fresh injury concerns in a huge boost for the reigning Premier League considering the issues they’ve had this season.

This dream scenario allowed Guardiola to rotate all 11 players for the visit of Plymouth as City came from behind against the Championship outfit to confirm their place in the FA Cup quarter-final.

However, the one down side to the 3-1 victory was a new injury blow. Having said that, Rodri has returned to individual training and the prospect of the Spaniard playing again this season has been raised following some rather interesting comments.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest Manchester City injury news

Nathan Ake

The Dutchman has not had much luck with injuries this season. Only recently back from a layoff, it would appear the central defender is set for another spell on the sidelines.

Nathan Ake started against Plymouth at the weekend but was visibly struggling towards the end of the first-half and was subsequently replaced by Ruben Dias at half-time.

Speaking about Ake in the post-match press conference, Guardiola did not sound too positive.

Nathan Ake could be set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines

AFP via Getty Images

“Now again we have central defenders out. I think we are going to miss Nathan,” he told reporters. “I’m so grateful to the club for bringing Vitor and Khusanov to the club otherwise we would not have any chance to qualify for the Champions League next season or fight for the FA Cup; we would have just Ruben.

“It’s a miracle they are here to help us because the problems we have, have happened all season.”

Potential return date: Unknown

John Stones

The centre-back is facing a long spell on the sidelines after limping off against Real Madrid.

John Stones was under little pressure when attempting a pass in the opening minutes of the Champions League play-off clash, and appeared to pull a muscle. He required on-pitch treatment before being withdrawn.

Speaking ahead of the win over Spurs, Pep Guardiola confirmed Stones will not require surgery, but the England international to be out of action for up to 10 weeks.

“No, no surgery. No,” Guardiola told reporters. “He can be recovered during eight to 10 weeks without surgery

Injury blow: John Stones was forced off early against Real Madrid

AFP via Getty Images

“We need everyone for the end of the season. Absolutely everyone. I decide for this line-up, maybe tomorrow will be another one, we need everyone.

“We are part of that and of course in the next one, two, three years the players will be a little bit different. Everybody knows it.”

Potential return date: May 2025

Manuel Akanji

Fellow defender Manuel Akanji has been also ruled out for at least two months after undergoing surgery on a thigh injury.

Akanji was forced off during the first leg of City’s play-off tie against Real Madrid.

The centre-back went under the knife on February 15 and Guardiola confirmed the player will be out for “eight to 10 weeks.”

That sets his comeback at, most likely, early May.

Potential return date: May 2025

Oscar Bobb

Much was expected of Oscar Bobb this season after a promising pre-season, only to suffer a broken leg on the eve of the campaign.

Bobb returned to training in January but has still not made a matchday squad after suffering a setback.

The hope is that he will be in contention soon.

“I think yesterday we spoke with the doctors he feels really good, much better since he came back,” Guardiola revealed ahead of the Spurs game.

Man City hope to have Oscar Bobb available for selection soon

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“He had a problem in the meta and couldn’t run properly, that’s why he came back, stop, came back, stop. But the doctors wisely said stop until you don’t feel that discomfort in the ankle then you can train.

“In the last part he will be back soon but I said that one month ago, hopefully this time he can come back.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Rodri

Rodri’s injury is seen as one of the major causes for City’s slide this season. The midfielder underwent surgery on a serious knee injury suffered against Arsenal in September and was not expected to feature again this season.

The Spanish international has previously suggested he could return for this summer’s Club World Cup but Guardiola has previously insisted there is “no pressure” on him to rush his comeback.

However, Guardiola’s toned noticeably changed when delivering an update on Rodri’s fitness prior to the FA Cup tie against Plymouth.

"We can't go three days, three days three days, so many games,” he told ITV Sport when explaining his team selection after making 11 changes to the Man City starting XI.