Akanji's Groin Injury Deepens City's Defensive Crisis

Manchester City's Manuel Akanji is set to miss eight to ten weeks due to a groin injury sustained during the Champions League match against Real Madrid, requiring surgery. His absence compounds City's injury woes, as they face crucial fixtures against Newcastle United, Liverpool, and Real Madrid in the coming weeks. Manager Pep Guardiola expressed concerns about the team's defensive vulnerabilities, exacerbated by injuries to other key players such as Jack Grealish and Rodri. Akanji's injury is a significant setback as City struggle to maintain their competitiveness in both the Premier League and Champions League. Guardiola indicated the extra workload on defenders might have contributed to the injuries. As City navigates this challenging phase, the team will need to make strategic adjustments to cope with the depleted squad.