Pep Guardiola must feel a little relief that Manchester City’s Premier League campaign is drawing to a close, given the number of injury problems he currently has to contend with.
The champions will ensure they retain their crown for another year if they can beat Aston Villa at home in this Sunday’s final round of league fixtures.
City head into the game one point clear of second-placed Liverpool, who host Wolverhampton Wanderers at the same time this weekend.
A victory for Guardiola over Steven Gerrard’s men would wrap up a fourth English top-flight title for the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager, and mean only Manchester United have won the Premier League more often than their near neighbours.
But City’s chances of beating the Villans haven’t been helped by the injury problems they have at the back, with five of the current seven first-team defenders either unavailable for Sunday, or struggling with recent knocks.
It means there will be some form of adjustment in defence, much as there was in the recent games against Wolves and West Ham United.
But how many players will be available for Sunday’s title decider? We’ve got the latest on seven recent injury concerns for Guardiola…
1. Nathan Ake
The former Bournemouth man is something of a mystery when it comes to his ongoing ankle injury. Guardiola keeps naming him on the bench, but rarely giving him game-time. Should he be needed, Ake is expected to be an option for Sunday, and was spotted training this week.
2. Ruben Dias
Won’t be involved after Guardiola ruled him out for the remainder of the season following the 5-0 win over Newcastle United.
3. Fernandinho
Was expected to miss the West Ham game after coming off against Wolves, but recovered in time to play to the full 90 and will likely start at centre-back this weekend.
4. Aymeric Laporte
In a similar boat to Fernandinho, and returned against West Ham. Laporte will probably start at the heart of defence and could be the only fit centre-back.