Man City latest injury news: Akanji set for long spell out, positive Grealish update | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says defender Manuel Akanji will be out for around eight to ten weeks with the injury he suffered against Real Madrid.

Akanji was forced off in the 3-2 defeat to Madrid with an injury and will now require surgery, Guardiola revealed, in another blow for his side.

“I think it is the abductor,” Guardiola said.

“[He will undergo] surgery on Saturday, [and will be] 8-10 weeks out.

“I just wish him a speedy recovery because the effort he has put in this season has been unbelievable. Him and Nathan [Ake] have played in difficult positions.

“There has been a lack of players in that position and his body has said enough is enough.”

Jack Grealish, however, is not set for a long spell out having also been forced off against Real Madrid.

The winger is unlikely to play in the weekend’s clash with Newcastle, however.

“Not as bad as Akanji,” Guardiola said.

“I don’t know if he will be ready tomorrow, I don’t think he will be, but we will assess him in the next hours.”

New signing Nico Gonzalez will also be assessed ahead of the game against Newcastle.

“Day by day he is getting better. He will also be assessed in a few hours.”

Guardiola’s side were handed a 3-2 defeat in their Champions League play-off first leg to determine who will reach the round of 16.

And the City boss admits his side have gone backwards of late and urged improvements to be made.

He said: “We have made some steps backwards compared to the progress made in previous seasons, but we are at home with our people so we will try to do it [win].

“They always have been [a difficult side] since Eddie Howe took over. They have good form and unbelievable pace. It’s a credit to them.

“We have always been so comfortable with the ball and we are now not so. You then have to rely on a physical presence and our physicality is not like other teams.

“Every time that we get a result the mood is better in everyone, but this season has been like it has been and we have to try to get results more often.”