Manchester City Injury Update: Manuel Akanji latest details, recovery timeline

Manchester City have been dealt a big injury blow in what has been a rough period for the club overall. Pep Guardiola’s side however were dealt a massive blow recently as they lost Manuel Akanji to injury. The Swiss international picked up a muscular injury in City’s 3-2 loss against Real Madrid midweek and there are varying reports on the severity of it.

The injury suffered is expected to affect further plans for Manchester City. On that note, read below and get a detailed overview of how the forward faced the injury, the freshest update on the situation, the impact of the blow on the club, his possible replacements, and his return to action date.

Manuel Akanji Injury Update

Manuel Akanji has almost been ever present for Manchester City in a season where everyone else has been injured at some point in defence. But he had to be subbed off in the game against Real Madrid at halftime, with City leading. Rico Lewis replaced him.

There were varying reports as to the extent of his injury and absence. Some reports have suggested that he is out for the season while others have said it’s just a matter of a couple of weeks.

Manager Pep Guardiola was not asked about Akanji in the aftermath of the Real game but is expected to offer an update on the 29-year-old when he holds his regular media briefing on Friday before his side’s game with Newcastle on Saturday. However, the latest reports suggest it will be an 8-10 week absence.

Impact of Manuel Akanji Injury on Manchester City’s Squad and Strategy

Manchester City have massively struggled this season. They are currently 5th in the Premier League, a far cry from the 4 consecutive Premier League titles they hold. Injuries have ravaged their backline, with Ruben Dias and John Stones regularly missing action and Kyle Walker being offloaded to Milan after a dreadful first half of the season. Akanji has played all over the backline and in midfield so it’s not just a body in defence but also the versatility that will need replacing.

Possible Replacements and Tactical Adjustments

The real worry for City is that even if Akanji is out for just a couple of weeks, he’ll miss games against Real Madrid and Liverpool. The good news is that Ruben Dias and John Stones are back fit. Josko Gvardiol is playing well in the LB spot. Rico Lewis will take the RB spot. City also signed two young defenders in the January window, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis. While Khusanov made his debut against City, we are yet to see any of the Brazilian Reis.