Manchester City defender set to miss Real Madrid clash through injury – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid came away with a crucial win over Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout playoffs, beating them 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium.

The job is far from done though as the two teams will lock horns again next week in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Manuel Akanji likely to miss second leg vs Real Madrid

Ahead of the big game at the Bernabeu next week, Real Madrid and Manchester City have been greeted with good and bad news, respectively, on the injury front.

Los Blancos are expected to recover key defender Antonio Rudiger, who has been out injured for a couple of weeks.

Akanji picked up an injury in the first leg vs Real Madrid. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

As for Man City, they are likely to be without one of their important players, Manuel Akanji, for the trip to the Spanish capital.

Indeed, as reported by City insider FPLMaineRoad on X, Akanji is set to be out of action for the next few months and could even miss the rest of the season.

The Switzerland defender suffered an injury during the game against Real Madrid earlier in the week and had to be taken off at half-time.

On being asked about the defender’s situation and his availability for the second leg after the match at the Etihad, Man City boss Pep Guardiola had said (h/t NBC): “I don’t know.”

Now, it appears that Akanji will end up missing the reverse fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu, although Manchester City have options to replace the centre-back.