Nathan Ake among a defensive trio set to miss tonight’s game
A trio of Manchester City players are set to miss tonight’s clash with Aston Villa.
Pep Guardiola’s side were already without both experienced defender Kyle Walker and first-choice goalkeeper Ederson for Sunday’s drab goalless draw with rivals Arsenal, with John Stones an unused substitute.
City then saw their defensive problems worsen further when Nathan Ake was forced off after less than half an hour at the Etihad Stadium.
While City boasts the kind of depth that would surely be the envy of most other clubs around the world, there is little doubt that such absences do not help their battle with Arsenal and Liverpool at the top of the table.
Asked for an update on Stones, Walker, and Ederson at his pre-Villa press conference on Tuesday, manager Guardiola said: “I don’t think [they will play]. John maybe, the other two no chance.
“[John] has to feel fully fit. But the injury was less than we expected. We’ll see. Maybe for the next games, he’ll be ready.”
On Ake, he added: “Injured. Hopefully, he will be back soon. I don’t know exactly the timing. Next game he won’t be ready.”
Predicted Man City XI: Ortega; Stones, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, De Bruyne; Silva, Foden, Doku; Haaland
Injuries: Walker, Ederson, Ake
Doubts: Stones
Time and date: 8:15 pm BST on Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Venue: Etihad Stadium
TV channel and live stream: TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate