Pep Guardiola said last night that Manuel Akanji actually missed last night’s Champions League game with BSC Young Boys due to a back injury.
City booked their place in the knockout stages of the competition for the 11th consecutive year following a comfortable 3-0 win at the Etihad Stadium.
Erling Haaland, who had been a doubt for the game after picking up a knock against Bournemouth at the weekend, started and scored two goals.
His second was a superb strike that wowed former City star Paul Dickov.
Phil Foden also grabbed a goal, leaving Rio Ferdinand very impressed.
One man who was meant to start last night was Manuel Akanji. He had been named in the starting XI but dropped out at the 11th hour, and Guardiola explained why that was after the game…
Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji missed BSC Young Boys clash through injury not illness
Akanji was set to play from the start against Young Boys and had been warming up ahead of the game.
But just before kick-off, word came that Akanj had dropped out, with Kyle Walker coming in to replace him.
Initially, it had been reported that Akanji dropped out due to illness.
Even the official Manchester City X account stated as much.
But Pep gave an update about Akanji after the win, and said that he actually pulled out with a slight back injury.
He said (mancity.com): “It was a problem with the back. He was training. When this happened, he looked like 75 years old.
“He could not play. That’s why Kyle replaced him in that moment. Hopefully not a big issue and he will be ready for Sunday.”
A shame for Akanji, but the issue sounds minor
So Akanji picked up a small back injury which is why he had to pull out last night.
It was a shame that the £15 million star missed out, but Walker did a brilliant job as his replacement. It was probably not ideal that the England international played as he would have benefitted from a rest. But it was a case of needs must in the end.
Thankfully, it doesn’t sound like the issue is serious, and that he will be available for selection against Chelsea.
Guardiola also gave an update on John Stones after the win over Young Boys. Sadly, it looks as though he is now facing another spell on the sidelines.
