Manchester City suffer Nathan Aké fitness blow ahead of Real Madrid clash

Nathan Aké has been one of the surprise stars for Manchester City this season but it looks like Pep Guardiola will be without the Dutchman for Tuesday’s trip to Real Madrid.

Aké picked up an injury in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Leeds United and was substituted in the 55th minute at the Etihad Stadium.

The 28-year-old received treatment on the pitch for what appeared to be a calf injury and initially tried to play on, but he was soon replaced by Kyle Walker.

On Monday, just one day before the visit to the Santiago Bernabéu, the defender did not take part in City’s open training session. With so little time before the semi-final first leg, Aké is a major doubt for the fixture in the Spanish capital.

He had only recently returned to the team after suffering a hamstring injury that kept him out of three Premier League fixtures.

Who will replace Aké for Manchester City?

Aké joined City from Bournemouth in 2020 and initially struggled to secure a spot in the team. In his first season at the club he featured in just 13 games but he has become a regular starter for Guardiola’s side this campaign.

Naturally a central defender, left-footed Aké has performed brilliantly as a left back since the departure of Joao Cancelo to Bayern Munich in January. Aké’s confidence on the ball, positional awareness and defensive abilities have facilitated the hybrid system that Guardiola has employed in recent months.

On Saturday Aké was replace by a full back, Walker, but Guardiola may decide against using the England international again on Tuesday. In Aymeric Laporte City have another left-footed defender who could play a similar role to Aké.