Why Manuel Akanji is not in Man City squad vs Aston Villa

Manuel Akanji is not in the Manchester City squad to face Aston Villa due to his wife giving birth to their second son.

The centre-back was signed by Pep Guardiola on deadline day as extra defensive cover after the team suffered a bout of injuries at the back. However, he will have to wait to enjoy his debut for the Blues for the best reason possible.

Sharing the news on Instagram, Akanji said: “A very special week couldn’t have ended on a higher note as we’re incredibly happy to see our family grow with the birth of our second son Keeyan Lamar Ayodele Akanji, September 2, 2022 #familyof4”

READ MORE: Aston Villa vs Man City LIVE updates and match coverage

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of City’s clash with Villa, manager Pep Guardiola confirmed he would have been included in the squad if not for the happy arrival.

“Of course, the baby born is the most important thing. He should be here with the team but when his wife he became a father again, he has to be there,” he said.

Explaining the signing of Akanji earlier this week, Guardiola said: "We had four incredible centre defenders. (Aymeric) Laporte had a tough injury. He’s getting better but he won’t be back within a month or two.

“(Nathan) Ake had some muscular problems. We couldn’t live with just two centre-backs with this schedule.” John Stones - who makes his 200th club appearance - and Ruben Dias make the line-up at Villa Park, as Ake makes the bench.

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