Why Nathan Ake missed Man City vs Arsenal

Nathan Ake missed Sunday’s Community Shield fixture between Manchester City and Arsenal as the defender is not fully fit following an injury he sustained in pre-season.

The Dutchman went off with a slight knock in the win over Bayern Munich on 26 July. The problem also prevented him playing against Atletico Madrid, City’s final match of pre-season, and he has not recovered in time for the trip to Wembley.

Ake did travel with the City squad to the capital but was not named in the squad when the teams were announced pre-match. He is, however, the European champions' only injury concern as the 2023/24 campaign begins.

In Ake's absence, Pep Guardiola opted for a back four of Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, John Stones and Manuel Akanji, ahead of Stefan Ortega in nets. Mateo Kovacic was also selected to make his debut in midfield, along with Rodri and Julian Alvarez. Kevin De Bruyne, who has also been struggling with an injury since the end of last season, was only deemed fit enough for the bench.

In attack, City named the same front three that began the Champions League final: Bernardo Silva, Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish.

Meanwhile, on the bench, it was: Ederson, Aymeric Laporte, Sergio Gomez, Rico Lewis, Kalvin Phillips, De Bruyne, Phil Foden, James McAtee and Cole Palmer. Josko Gvardiol wasn’t among the City contingent but is expected to be involved on Friday when the Blues kick off the new Premier League campaign against Burnley.

As for Arsenal, Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz were handed their debuts following summer moves.