Manchester City have suffered another injury setback ahead of their UEFA Champions League playoff second-leg tie with Real Madrid.
Defender Manuel Akanji has been ruled out of the clash at the Santiago Bernabeu due to a muscular injury.
Akanji was substituted at half-time in City’s 3-2 defeat against Real Madrid in the first leg at Etihad Stadium. According to reports, he will be out for up to 10 weeks, effectively ending his season.
This is a significant blow for City, who have struggled with injuries all season, particularly in defence.
Akanji’s absence was felt in the first leg, as he had successfully stifled Vinicius Junior’s attacks before being replaced by the less experienced Rico Lewis.
Manager Pep Guardiola may be forced to use midfielder Matheus Nunes in Akanji’s place for the upcoming games, including the second leg against Real Madrid and the Premier League clash with Liverpool on February 23.
