Will Aké, Stones and Walker be fit to play for Manchester City against Real Madrid?

The days are counting down until the Champions League returns, and the draw for the quarter-final threw up some simply stunning ties across the continent, none tastier than Real Madrid, the 14-time champions, against Manchester City, the current holders.

Ahead of the game, City boss Pep Guardiola has plenty to think about, given his squad is not in full working order as we move into the final preparations for the first leg, to be held in the Spanish capital. John Stones, Kyle Walker and now Nathan Aké all run the risk of missing out due to various physical issues. Here is the latest news on all three of the key spiders in Guardiola’s tactical web.

Is Nathan Aké injured? Will he play against Real Madrid?

Nathan Aké was forced off in the first half of the 0-0 draw against Arsenal with what appeared to be an hamstring injury, and was replaced by Rico Lewis. The Dutch defender will presumably undergo tests to determine the extent of his physical issue but Pep Guardiola was frank after the game, telling the media “it is what it is”.

“[He] played two games this week [including] with the national team in Holland”, the coach added. “Rico played exceptionally well and we have other guys. We will do it with the guys that we have.”

Kyle Walker was left out of the squad completely against Arsenal after he pulled up with a hamstring injury in the opening stages of England’s 1-0 loss against Brazil at Wembley. A few days later, John Stones was the victim of an abductor problem just 10 minutes into England’s 2-2 draw against Belgium. He was able to make the squad, featuring on the bench, but he did not see any minutes at the Etihad Stadium against Mikel Arteta’s side.

Related stories

INTER MIAMI

Miami limping without Leo

PREMIER LEAGUE

Advantage Liverpool as City and Arsenal battle to goalless draw

As for the length of the absences of the players, Guardiola confirmed the suspicions that the ex-Everton defender was set to be the first back into the team: “John will be better soon, I think.”, Guardiola said, ”Kyle will be longer, now Nathan will be longer.”

City play against Real Madrid on April 9: the first game will be held at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu before the return leg at City’s Etihad Stadium a week later.