City confirms a significant defensive absence for the return against Real Madrid

Manchester City will visit Real Madrid next Wednesday (21:00 hours) at the Santiago Bernabéu with another significant defensive absence. As expected, Manuel Akanji will not be able to play in the UEFA Champions League play-off rematch due to the muscle injury he suffered in the first leg last Tuesday. Additionally, Pep Guardiola confirmed this Friday that the defender is suffering from a serious problem that will keep him out for the next two months.

"He has surgery on Saturday. He will be out for 8-10 weeks", the manager began. In that regard, he confirmed that the Swiss international suffered a groin tear. "We only wish Manu the best and a speedy recovery, because the effort he made this season was incredible", added the coach from Santpedor. Akanji was covering the right back position due to multiple injuries in the Manchester squad. Now, Rico Lewis (20 years old) will have to take on the responsibility of replacing him again.

The City has two more doubts for the Champions return against Madrid

On another note, Guardiola also spoke about the physical condition of Nico González and Jack Grealish. The former FC Barcelona midfielder suffered a muscle problem in his debut in the FA Cup against Leyton Orient (he only played 22 minutes), while the winger also could not complete the Champions match against Madrid due to a muscle strain just 30 minutes into the game.

"For Newcastle (Saturday), we don't know if Grealish will be fit. We'll see in the next few hours. As for Nico, he wasn't fully fit for Real Madrid, but he will improve day by day", explained Pep. City is required to win by at least one goal at the Bernabéu to force extra time. The last time the 'citizens' won at Chamartín was in the first leg of the round of 16 in the 2019/20 season (1-2).