Nathan Ake has confirmed that he suffered a hamstring injury during Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich.
City earned a hard-fought draw in Munich on Wednesday night to secure a 4-1 aggregate victory in the Champions League quarterfinal tie.
Pep Guardiola’s side took the lead shortly after half-time through Erling Haaland, but spent much of the evening on the defensive as the hosts launched wave after wave of attack.
As was the case at the Etihad last week, City ceded control and possession but defended doggedly and attacked ruthlessly.
The change in approach saw the Blues become only the third English side to reach the semi-finals of the competitions in three consecutive seasons, but their progression has come at a cost.
Nathan Ake limped off the field in the 66th minute of the game after pulling up with a hamstring issue.
Speaking to Sky Sports’ Ben Ransom after the match, the Dutch defender confirmed the injury.
“I’ve had it before and it feels a little less to be honest, but you never know, so we will do the ultrasounds and stuff tomorrow and then hopefully it’s not too bad,” Ake said.
Minor hamstring injuries can clear themselves up in a couple of weeks, but anything more serious could see the 28-year-old sidelined for much of the remainder of the season.
Ake has been one of City’s most consistent performers this year, establishing himself as a key player after playing a bit-part role during his first two seasons at the club.
The three-at-the-back system that Guardiola has adopted since the World Cup suits Ake perfectly, as he is strong in duels and has the pace to cope with wide players during transitions.
Given his importance to the team, Ake’s injury could not have come at a worse time.
Ake is sure to miss City’s FA Cup semi-final date with Sheffield United on Saturday, as well as the crunch Premier League clash with Arsenal on Wednesday.
City currently trail Premier League leaders Arsenal by four points – albeit with a game in-hand – so must beat Mikel Arteta’s side at the Etihad if their title chances are to remain in their hands.
Depending on the severity of his injury, Ake could be a doubt for the Champions League semi-final first-leg meeting with Real Madrid in 19 days’ time and potentially the second leg a week after that.
