Pep Guardiola gives injury latest on Nathan Ake ahead of Everton vs Man City
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Pep Guardiola has given a positive injury update on Nathan Ake ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Everton.
The Manchester City defender was not involved in the squad that travelled to Madrid in the midweek for the Champions League semi-final first leg due to a knock he suffered last Saturday against Leeds United.
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Hide AdIt’s been a frustrating period for the ex-Bournemouth defender, who missed three games at the end of April with a hamstring injury. But speaking ahead of the trip to Everton this weekend, Guardiola said Ake’s recovery has been positive.
"I think he is much better but I don’t know. We had a day off and now we have training in a few hours and will see,” said the ex-Barcelona boss.
Ake is City’s only injury concern at present, which is a boost given City face a hectic schedule before the end of May. The Blues play Real Madrid at the Etihad in the second leg on Wednesday, before Premier League matches against Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.
Guardiola admitted on Friday he is not sure if he will have to make wholesale changes to keep his team fresh in the final weeks of the season. “We'll see, we have five days, after have three, then three, then four days,” Guardiola explained. “We'll see, now we see the team, after I speak with the physios and staff and decide.
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Hide Ad“A lot of games to choose, maybe [you] don't believe me but I rely on them a lot, all of them. There are players in moments who are so important for us. We will see if they can play every three or four days. Against Leeds people say they were tired. The game after is so demanding, then Goodison Park, the game against Madrid as well. It’s a lot of games.
“When you play for a lot of games it is normal that happens. We have games in hand from the past which we have to put in now. There are a lot of games. When you play in just one competition it is completely different. Now, it is what it is.”
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