Manchester City struck with second defensive injury problem revealed ahead of Chelsea showdown

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City will have to contend with yet another defensive injury problem, it has been revealed ahead of the showdown with Chelsea on Sunday.

The Premier League champions travel to London this weekend targeting a move to the top of the English top-flight table with a three-point gap over rivals Liverpool, who defeated Brentford earlier on Sunday afternoon.

Pep Guardiola come into the contest off the back of progression through to the UEFA Champions League knock-rounds following a 3-0 win over BSC Young Boys at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night.

While celebrations were sweet off the back of their 11th successive group stage qualification, the mood was somewhat soured by news of a fresh injury concern to John Stones, who has sustained a muscular problem.

Now, as revealed in the run-up to Chelsea against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, Nathan Ake is the latest player to sustain an injury problem, as per Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News.

It is further detailed, as per the Manchester Evening News, that Ake was not part of the Manchester City travelling contingent to make the journey to London this weekend.

At present, it remains unknown as to the severity of the Dutchman’s problem, however Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is likely to deliver an update on the defender ahead of the international break in the coming two weeks.

The 28-year-old versatile centre-back is understood to have trained as normal on Friday ahead of the weekend’s closing preparations, however his fresh setback will only present further opportunities for Josko Gvardiol to impress in the left-back role.

Fellow left-back candidate Sergio Gomez is also sidelined after sustaining an ankle injury during a recent Manchester City training session, and was spotted arriving at the Etihad Stadium for last weekend’s 6-1 win over Bournemouth on crutches.