Pep Guardiola explains Nathan Ake concern ahead of Man City finals

Manchester City are keen not to risk further injury to Nathan Ake before the end of the season.

Ake missed three matches after suffering a hamstring problem during the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich, and then pulled up again when he returned just before the semi-final with Real Madrid. The Dutch defender was part of the matchday squad against Chelsea on Sunday but did not make the bench.

Pep Guardiola is eager to have Ake back for the climax of City's season, yet recent injuries have pressed home the need for caution. While there are two Premier League games with nothing riding on them this week against Brighton and Brentford, Ake will only be used when the medical team are confident that he can play without risking further damage.

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"He’s getting better, I don't know if he will arrive for tomorrow or for Brentford but he is in the last stage [of his recovery]," said Guardiola. "We have to be careful with the second time he is injured and we have to make sure he’s fit in case we need him for United and Inter."

The City boss also mentioned a number of players having niggles ahead of the trip to Brighton, but did not name them. A number of changes are expected again for the two games this week as the Blues make full use of their squad before their FA Cup and Champions League finals.

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