Nathan Ake will miss a number of key fixtures for Manchester City after picking up a muscle injury on international duty. Ake has been ruled out for a month after appearing to injure his hamstring while playing for the Netherlands this week, with Pep Guardiola remarking that 'every time he goes there [international duty] he comes back injured.' The left-back is yet to start a game this season as Josko Gvardiol has begun the campaign at left-back, but Ake's setback will increase the pressure on Gvardiol ahead of a hectic schedule of seven games in 21 days. ALSO READ: Man City boss Pep Guardiola takes swipe as he confirms Nathan Ake injury extent READ MORE: Man City given double injury boost but leave Erling Haaland doubt Those games kick off on Saturday, with Brentford visiting the Etihad on Saturday before a rematch of the 2023 Champions League final on Wednesday when City kick off their European campaign against Inter Milan.
Next weekend sees Arsenal visit City in a fixture that could have a big say in the destination of the Champions League final.
Ake has performed well in those fixtures with Mikel Arteta's side, scoring in the FA Cup against Arsenal and often playing well against Bukayo Saka.
Two days later, Watford visit in the Carabao Cup and Guardiola says he will try to play completely different starting XIs in those games if possible due to the quick turnaround.