Pep Guardiola says Nathan Ake’s injury “doesn’t look good” after Manchester City’s first win in eight games was marred by more fitness problems.
City’s worst run under the Spaniard has been marked by injuries to a number of key players including Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones.
They arrested the slide against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night with goals from Bernardo Silva, De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku easing them to a much-needed victory.
Celebrations were dampened, however, with Netherlands international Ake forced off in the final minute of normal time.
The 29-year-old has already been limited to just eight games in all competitions after a hamstring injury earlier in the year and limped off again with a fresh problem which could sideline him once more.
“Ake’s injury doesn’t look good. We will see tomorrow,” Guardiola said after the game.
Fellow defender Manuel Akanji was also removed at half-time with an unspecified issue and replaced by Kyle Walker.
“Manu has struggled in the last two months,” Guardiola added before pointing to both players’ efforts in deputising for others during the season.
“I can just thank them for their effort playing in positions that are unnatural. We will see in three days what happens.”
Guardiola also revealed midfielder Phil Foden missed the game through illness.
City’s win moved them fourth in the table. They return to action against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
(Michael Regan/Getty Images)
