Manchester City have been hit with another injury setback to a key player 

Manchester City have been hit with another injury setback to a key player

 

Manchester City have been hit with another injury setback to a key player as Nathan Ake faces a lengthy spell out.

 

Ake was forced off at half time against Plymouth in City’s FA Cup fifth round encounter at the Etihad on Saturday.

 

 

It is another injury blow in a season of knocks and issues both for the Dutchman and the City defence as a whole.

 

It remains to be seen what the issue is and the severity of the problem suffered by the defender.

 

The Cityzens are know without three recognised senior centre backs and while the prognosis on midfielder Rodri is slightly brighter as he steps up his return to fitness, the club remain without a host of players as they prepare for a vital clash with Nottingham Forest this weekend.

 

Speaking after the game, Guardiola said: “Now again we have a central defender out for a long time, I think we’ll miss Nathan.”

 

Meanwhile, City progressed to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup thanks to a 3-1 comeback win against Plymouth Argyle.

 

After the Championship struggling side took a shock lead, City bounced back with a brace from Nico O’Reilly and Kevin De Bruyne.

 

Manchester City has been grappling with a series of injury setbacks to key players, significantly impacting their performance across various competitions this season.

 

Rodri’s Season-Ending Injury

 

One of the most significant blows to City’s midfield has been the loss of Rodri. On September 22, 2024, during a 2–2 draw against Arsenal, Rodri suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2024–25 season. This injury came shortly after he was awarded the 2024 Ballon d’Or, underscoring his importance to the team.

 

Kevin De Bruyne’s Declining Influence

 

At nearly 34 years old, Kevin De Bruyne has faced a decline in form coupled with frequent injuries. His current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025, with potential offers from leagues in the United States and Saudi Arabia. Manager Pep Guardiola has emphasized that the decision regarding De Bruyne’s future rests solely with the player, acknowledging his invaluable contributions since joining the club in 2015.

 

Erling Haaland’s Knee Issues

 

The team’s offensive capabilities have been hampered by Erling Haaland’s knee problems. He was notably absent during a 2–0 loss to Liverpool, marking the team’s eighth league defeat. Haaland sustained the injury during a match against Newcastle, leading to his absence in crucial fixtures, including the Champions League elimination at the hands of Real Madrid. His potential return against Tottenham remains uncertain, with Guardiola acknowledging the significant impact of Haaland’s absence on the team’s attacking prowess.

 

Jérémy Doku’s Injury and Return

 

Jérémy Doku has experienced a mixed season. After a standout performance against Ipswich Town on January 19, 2025, where he scored and assisted, Doku suffered an injury sidelining him for almost a month. His absence compounded City’s injury crisis, contributing to a decline in form that saw them fall out of the Premier League title race and face elimination from the Champions League playoffs. Upon his return, Doku set a season record with 13 completed dribbles in a 2–0 loss against Liverpool on February 23, 2025, and earned the Man of the Match award in a 1–0 victory over Tottenham on February 27, 2025.

 

Defensive Woes: Nathan Aké and Manuel Akanji

 

Defensively, City has been stretched thin. Nathan Aké was forced off late in a win over Nottingham Forest due to a hamstring injury, with Guardiola expressing concerns over the severity, stating, “Ake’s injury doesn’t look good.” Manuel Akanji has been dealing with discomfort in the pelvis and abductor area, leading to his substitution at halftime in the same match. Guardiola noted Akanji’s reliability but acknowledged that he needed time to recover to compete effectively.

 

Rúben Dias’ Muscle Problem

 

Adding to the defensive challenges, Rúben Dias sustained a muscle problem during the derby defeat to Manchester United. Despite playing through the pain, he is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks, further depleting City’s defensive options.

 

Kalvin Phillips’ Struggles

 

Kalvin Phillips’ tenure at City has been marred by injury problems. After undergoing shoulder surgery in September 2022, he faced criticism from Guardiola upon returning from the World Cup in December 2022 for being overweight. Although Guardiola later apologized, Phillips has struggled to secure a regular starting position, reflecting ongoing fitness and form issues.

 

Oscar Bobb’s Leg Fracture

 

Young talent Oscar Bobb suffered a leg fracture in training just days before the season began. Initially expected to be sidelined until January or February 2025, his absence has been a setback for City’s depth, especially considering his impressive pre-season performances.

 

Impact on City’s Season

 

These cumulative injuries have significantly impacted Manchester City’s performance. The team currently sits fourth in the Premier League, 20 points behind leaders Liverpool, and has faced early exits from both the Champions League and the Carabao Cup. Guardiola has faced criticism for not bolstering the squad adequately before the season, a decision that has been magnified by the spate of injuries.

 

Looking Ahead

 

As the season progresses, Manchester City faces a challenging schedule. Upcoming fixtures include matches against Nottingham Forest on March 8, Brighton & Hove Albion on March 15, and a crucial derby against Manchester United on April 6. The team’s ability to navigate these fixtures amidst ongoing injury concerns will be pivotal in determining their success in domestic competitions.

 

# EPL Schedule

– Manchester City @ Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Mar 08, 2025 at 04:30 AM PST

– Brighton & Hove Albion @ Manchester City on Saturday, Mar 15, 2025 at 08:00 AM PDT

– Leicester City @ Manchester City on Wednesday, Apr 02, 2025 at 11:45 AM PDT

– Manchester City @ Manchester United on Sunday, Apr 06, 2025 at 08:30 AM PDT

– Crystal Palace @ Manchester City on Saturday, Apr 12, 2025 at 04:30 AM PDT

In conclusion, Manchester City’s 2024–25 season has been heavily influenced by injuries to key players across all areas of the pitch. The team’s resilience and adaptability in the face of these challenges will be crucial as they aim to salvage success in the remaining competitions.