Manuel Akanji, Manchester City's defender, will miss eight to ten weeks due to a thigh injury requiring surgery. The injury occurred during a recent matchup against Real Madrid. Akanji has been pivotal to the team with 20 Premier League appearances, contributing to three clean sheets and ranking third in blocks. His absence adds to City’s defensive woes this season, marked by a high expected goals against (xGA) stat, and comes amidst recent returns of other defenders from injuries. Additionally, Jack Grealish suffered an injury but it is less severe than Akanji's, leading to uncertainty about his participation in the next match against Newcastle United.
Akanji has made 20 appearances this season, helping City secure three clean sheets and ranking third in blocks among teammates.
Guardiola confirmed Akanji will undergo surgery on Saturday and is expected to be sidelined for eight to ten weeks.
City's defensive struggles this season have led to a higher expected goals against than in previous campaigns under Guardiola.
Guardiola expressed concern for Grealish's injury but noted it is less severe than Akanji's, indicating he may miss the next match.
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