Man City get injury boost ahead of Wolves - but five players miss training

Nathan Ake was spotted back in Manchester City training on Thursday in a huge boost for Pep Guardiola’s side, but five senior players were absent from the session.

The champions return to Premier League action on Sunday with a trip to face bottom-place Wolverhampton Wanderers, and City could have Ake available for the first time since he picked up a hamstring injury while representing the Netherlands in September.

The defender returned late to pre-season following his involvement at Euro 2024 and played just two minutes in the league before sustaining the knock last month, which resulted in him missing all seven games between the September and October international break. Therefore, he has essentially not be an option all season.

Guardiola confirmed two weeks ago that he was expecting Ake back after the brief brief pause in club football. “I expect him back after the international break,” the City boss said ahead of the 3-2 win over Fulham. 

“I would say without injury, but Nathan is not like Phil Foden, for example, that [clicks fingers] are into training sessions and fit. He needs time. The info I had yesterday is that he has started training on the pitch and we will see.”

His return to training indicates Ake should be an option for this weekend’s trip to Molineux. But there’s less positive news when it comes to Kevin De Bruyne.

The 33-year-old was in a similar boat to Ake and was expected back after the international break. However, as reported by Sky Sports’ Ben Ransom, De Bruyne didn’t take part in Thursday’s session.

“No sign of KDB, Walker nor Akanji during our open 15 mins,” he posted on X. “Savinho & Ederson not back yet after playing for Brazil.”

In addition to De Bruyne’s absence, Kyle Walker and Manuel Akanji missing out is a concern. The pair both played for their respective nations over the international break and it’s unclear whether they have sustained injuries. Guardiola will give an update tomorrow (Friday) in his pre-match press conference.

The Catalan only didn’t name a full bench last time out against Fulham and also selected two goalkeepers among his substitutes. With Rodri and Oscar Bobb long-term injury concerns, and Guardiola preferring to work with a smaller squad, he will hope Ake, De Bruyne, Walker and Akanji are all available over the coming weeks.