Pep Guardiola confirms key injury setback for Man City ahead of Arsenal clash

Manchester City’s Nathan Ake is facing a race against the clock to be fit for his team’s crucial Champions League clash with Real Madrid, after he was sidelined from the Premier League match against Arsenal due to a hamstring injury. Pep Guardiola confirmed that the Dutchman would not feature in the upcoming match, having missed the FA Cup semi-final as well.

Ake’s absence comes as a significant blow for the Cityzens, as he has been a key figure in the team’s defence throughout the season. Guardiola, who had previously hailed Ake’s importance to the squad after the World Cup, could not confirm if he will be available for the upcoming Real Madrid clash, which is slated for two weeks’ time.

Despite Ake’s absence, Guardiola remained upbeat about his team’s prospects, stating that he has confidence in his squad to get the job done against the Gunners.

“Hopefully he can come back soon, but for tomorrow he’s not ready.”

Talking about his chances of playing against Real Madrid, the Spainish tactician said “I don’t know… We’ll find the right player to do it, I don’t have doubts. We’ll play with 11.”

Manchester City are set to face Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on May 4, and Ake’s recovery will be closely monitored by the Cityzens’ medical staff in the run-up to the high-stakes fixture.