Manuel Akanji faces a ten-week lay-off.
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Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji will undergo surgery on a thigh injury, ruling him out for up to 10 weeks, Pep Guardiola has confirmed.
The Swiss international sustained the injury during City’s 3-2 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
“He has surgery on Saturday. Eight to 10 weeks out,” Guardiola said on Friday.
Meanwhile, Jack Grealish also suffered a groin injury in the same match, though his condition is less severe.
Guardiola remains uncertain about the England international’s availability for City’s upcoming Premier League clash against Newcastle United.
Akanji has been a key figure for City this season, making 30 appearances across all competitions, including 20 Premier League starts.
His absence adds to City’s injury struggles, with John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Ruben Dias only recently returning to action.
Guardiola praised Akanji’s efforts this season:
The effort he has given has been unbelievable. He and Nathan [Ake] played in difficult conditions, helping the team in emergency situations, even at right-back. In the end, the body said enough is enough.
City, currently fifth in the Premier League, are 16 points behind leaders Liverpool and continue to battle injury setbacks as they aim to recover form in the title race.