‘Back in training’: ‘Unbelievable’ £15m Man City star now confirms return from injury as Jack Grealish reacts
Pep Guardiola appears to have Manuel Akanji available again, with the player uploading a picture of himself in Manchester City training gear.
The central defender has not played since limping off in the FA Cup win over Huddersfield Town earlier this month.
Akanji could not continue after a challenge by Alex Matos, despite initially trying to battle on, and Matheus Nunes replaced him after just 20 minutes.
Remarkably, despite only playing for 20 minutes, Akanji completed more passes than all the Huddersfield players did in the whole game.
Akanji was forced to miss the games with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, and he could not train out in Abu Dhabi, but it looks as though he will now be in contention to play against Burnley tomorrow night…
Manuel Akanji pictured in Manchester City training gear ahead of Burnley clash
Manchester City v Huddersfield Town – Emirates FA Cup Third Round
Photo by Dave Howarth – CameraSport via Getty Images
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Pep Guardiola was not overly concerned about Akanji following his injury against Huddersfield.
The Switzerland international was always likely to return fairly soon, and it looks as though he will now be involved in some capacity against Burnley.
Akanji has taken to social media this morning to upload a photo of himself, confirming some good news for City fans with the caption ‘Back in training’.
It is news that will delight the City faithful, and Jack Grealish was the first player to react to the news. The England international left two heart-eyes emojis.
Pep Guardiola will provide team news today at his press conference, and he will likely be asked about Akanji’s chance of playing against Burnley.
Big boost for City
It is great to see Akanji back in the picture for City after a few weeks on the sidelines.
The £15 million defender is a really important player for Pep, which is evident by the 74 appearances he has made in just 18 months at the club.
Last season, Akanji – described by Sam Allardyce last year as ‘unbelievable’ was amazing en route to the Treble. This term, he probably hasn’t quite been as good, but of all the defenders, he has probably only been second to Nathan Ake in terms of performance levels.
We shall see what kind of involvement he has against Burnley.
One would imagine him starting might be a bit unlikely, given he will be lack a bit of match sharpness compared to other players.
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