Manuel Akanji has sustained a pelvis and adductor injury that could rule him out of Manchester City’s upcoming derby against Manchester United. With other key defenders also sidelined, Pep Guardiola may be forced to make tactical adjustments for the crucial fixture.
DETAILS:
Manchester City’s defensive options are running thin ahead of the weekend’s Manchester derby, as Pep Guardiola confirmed that Manuel Akanji is dealing with a pelvis and adductor injury.
Akanji joins fellow defenders Nathan Ake and John Stones on the injury list, leaving Guardiola with limited choices for Sunday’s high-stakes match against Manchester United at the Etihad.
Akanji’s injury adds to the already complicated defensive situation, as City’s defence has been hit with multiple muscular problems throughout the season. While the Swiss international had been a reliable presence in the squad, Guardiola acknowledged the toll that the injury has taken on him.
Guardiola revealed, “He has discomfort in the area of the pelvis, the adductor, and doesn’t feel good.” He also spoke about Akanji’s efforts in playing through injury earlier in the season, explaining that Akanji had to take a step back to recover fully. “He stepped back and said, ‘I have to recover otherwise I cannot be.’”
With Akanji’s availability uncertain for Sunday, Guardiola may opt for a tactical reshuffle. The absence of Akanji, combined with Rico Lewis’ suspension and Ake’s ongoing recovery, leaves City with just three fully-fit defensive options.
QUOTES:
Pep Guardiola on Akanji’s injury: “He has discomfort in the area of the pelvis, the adductor, and doesn’t feel good.”
Pep Guardiola on Akanji’s effort: “He’s made an incredible effort playing at Bournemouth when him and Nathan [Ake] were not even half at their best, and it helped us to play there and at the end, he can play all the time, 45 minutes, 15 [minutes].”
CITATIONS:
The information comes directly from Pep Guardiola’s pre-match comments ahead of Manchester City’s derby clash with Manchester United.
KEEP IN MIND:
With key defensive players unavailable, Guardiola may turn to Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, who has already featured in big matches this season, or shuffle his tactics to manage the limited resources. The lack of depth in defence could force Guardiola to make further adjustments, with the result of the derby becoming even more crucial for Manchester City’s aspirations.
