Man City boss Pep Guardiola gives Nathan Ake injury update ahead of Arsenal clash

Pep Guardiola admitted he does not know the extent of Nathan Ake’s injury ahead of Manchester City’s game against Arsenal.

The Gunners take on City next Wednesday in a heavyweight clash that has been tipped to determine the destination of the Premier League title.

While Arsenal are some four points ahead of City at the Premier League summit, Guardiola’s men are in relentless form and have a game in hand over their title rivals.

However, ahead of next week’s decisive Premier League fixture, there have been fears regarding the fitness of City’s in-form centre-back Ake.

The 28-year-old has been a key part City's side in recent weeks, starting 10 of the last 12 games.

Indeed, Ake came back into the team for the club's Champions League tie against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, having been rested the previous weekend, though the defender was unable to complete the full match at the Allianz Arena.

Ake was forced off in the second half with a hamstring injury, and the club have since been waiting on scans to reveal how long the Netherlands international will be out of action.

Guardiola on Ake

On Friday, Guardiola confirmed he did not yet know the extent of Ake's injury.

The City boss said in his press conference: "I don't know. He's not ready for tomorrow but I don't know the damage. I think this afternoon they will do the final test to see exactly what he has."

However, Guardiola was more positive regarding the fitness of Phil Foden, who recently suffered from acute appendicitis.

The Spaniard said: "He was on the bench in Munich after two days training following two, three weeks without training. Every day that passes he'll be better."

On Saturday City play Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, while Arsenal face the relegation threatened Southampton on Friday night in the Premier League.

Both Guardiola and Mikel Arteta will be certain to have one eye on next Wednesday, however.

Topics: Manchester City, Arsenal, Football, Premier League, Nathan Ake, Pep Guardiola

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.