Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has given his take on whether Manuel Akanji will be available to play against Chelsea.
Guardiola has issued a response when asked if Akanji is fit to feature against Chelsea this weekend.
So, what has Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said about Manuel Akanji’s fitness ahead of the match against Chelsea?
Let’s take a look.
What’s the story?
Well, Manuel Akanji did not play for Manchester City against Young Boys in the UEFA Champions League in midweek.
As reported by The Manchester Evening News, Akanji was due to start for the defending Premier League and European champions, but he pulled out during the warm-up after feeling discomfort.
The Swiss star, though, has trained ahead of the Premier League match against Chelsea and is available to play.
Chelsea will lock horns with City at Stamford Bridge in London in the Premier League on Sunday.
City’s official website quotes Guardiola as saying about Akanji on Friday: “Manu trained today and will travel.
“He is available for Sunday.”
Manuel Akanji injury boost for Manchester City vs Chelsea
In my opinion, Manuel Akanji being available for Manchester City against Chelsea on Sunday is a big boost for the defending Premier League champions.
Akanji is one of the best defenders around and is a key player for City.
The 28-year-old defender has scored one goal in eight Premier League matches this season.
The £180,000-a-week (Spotrac) Switzerland international was sent off against Brighton and Hove Albion at the end of October.
Now, Akanji may not actually start against Chelsea.
Guardiola could deploy Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias in central defence.
However, I believe that even having the option to bring Akanji on as a substitute is a massive boost for City.
Akanji joined City from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022.
The defender helped City win the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup last season.
