Pep Guardiola may face another major injury setback, with new reports indicating a serious issue for Manchester City center-back Manuel Akanji.
The Swiss defender has endured a difficult season with fitness concerns, much like the rest of City's defensive unit, struggling to maintain consistent appearances under Guardiola.
The City manager has frequently cited injuries to his defense as a key factor behind the club's poor run of form in November and December, which significantly impacted their Premier League campaign.
At one point during that period, Guardiola was forced to field a lineup without a single fit first-choice center-back, allowing academy talent Jahmai Simpson-Pusey to break into the first team.
While City had hoped their defensive woes were easing in the second half of the season, matters have worsened following the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg clash.
Akanji Likely Out for the Season
According to the reliable City source FPLMaineRoad on X, Akanji is expected to be sidelined for the next few months due to injury, making him likely to miss the remainder of the season.
The 29-year-old was forced off in the first half of City's 3-2 home defeat to Real Madrid after sustaining a muscular problem. He was replaced by young full-back Rico Lewis, who took on Vinícius Jr. from the right-back position Akanji had occupied.
Guardiola provided little clarity on Akanji's condition post-match, telling the media, "I don't know yet." When asked about both Akanji and Jack Grealish's injuries, he added, "If they have gone out for muscular reasons, maybe they will not be there [for the second leg against Real Madrid next week]."
Opportunities for New Signings
Akanji's absence for the remainder of the season could open the door for some of City's January signings to step up, particularly Abdukodir Khusanov.
The Uzbek international is seen as a potential solution at right-back, a position largely vacated following former captain Kyle Walker's loan move to AC Milan in January.
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