Manchester City defender ruled out of crunch Real Madrid Champions League semi-final clash

Manchester City will be without Nathan Ake for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final second-leg clash against Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola has confirmed.

The Dutch defender has been plagued by a hamstring injury in recent weeks, missing the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu and Sunday’s win over Everton after being forced off against Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium.

Ake has become integral to Pep Guardiola’s defence since the departure of Joao Cancelo in January, making 38 appearances for Manchester City so far this season.

The 28 year-old will be hoping to feature again this season, with City in pursuit of winning the Premier League, Champions League and Emirates FA Cup.

City face local rivals Manchester United in the Emirates FA Cup Final next month and also have the opportunity to win the Premier League title with a victory against Chelsea on Sunday.

However, Pep Guardiola’s squad are currently fully focussed on Wednesday’s defining second-leg semi-final clash with Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium, with the Blues looking to reach a first Champions League Final since 2021.

Kevin De Bruyne’s driving effort cancelled out Vinicius Jr’s opening goal in the Spanish capital last week, with the tie finally poised at 1-1 ahead of Wednesday’s second-leg.

Aymeric Laporte and Manuel Akanji have both played at left-back in the absence of Nathan Ake, with the Swiss international starting against Real Madrid last week.

Guardiola will have to choose who will play at left-back again on Wednesday, after confirming that Ake would miss the pivotal fixture due to injury.

“Except Nathan, everyone is fit,” said Guardiola during his pre-match press conference.

The City manager also confirmed that there were no fitness concerns surrounding Kevin De Bruyne, who was unused substitute at Goodison Park on Sunday.