Nathan Ake provides major Manchester City fitness update following Netherlands scare

Manchester City have been boosted by a significant fitness update concerning Nathan Ake following a scare while on international duty.

The 28-year-old was replaced at half-time of the Netherlands’ 3-0 victory over Greece in European Championship qualifying earlier this week, with some corners of Dutch media claiming he had sustained a hamstring problem.

In the aftermath, Telegraaf reported that Aké had sustained ‘some slight complaints’ during the first-half of the victory over Greece, but was substituted at half-time as a precaution. National team head coach Ronald Koeman stated, “We didn’t want to take a risk with him.”

While some around Manchester City had been left sweating by the development around their versatile centre-back, a new update has offered some much-needed clarity around Nathan Ake and will no doubt act as a major boost to the team.

As relayed by the Manchester Evening News, Dutch media outlet Telegraaf state that Nathan Ake still seemed to be in discomfort in Netherlands training on Friday, however most importantly, returned to work back on the grass following the clash with Greece.

It is further stated that the Manchester City defender is also expected to be available to manager Ronald Koeman for their upcoming game against Republic of Ireland on Sunday evening in European Championship qualifying.

Pep Guardiola is expected to return to Manchester City duties himself following the conclusion of the international break, after the Catalan head coach was forced to withdraw from preparations and in-game duties during their last two Premier League outings.

Guardiola underwent emergency back surgery prior to the club’s 1-2 win over Sheffield United, leaving duties both on the training ground and on the touchline to assistant coach Juanma Lillo.

City return to action following the ongoing international break with an away trip in the Premier League to face West Ham United, while their UEFA Champions League defence also commences days after with a home group stage clash against Red Star Belgrade.