Manchester City defender Nathan Ake was stretchered off in distress during the Netherlands’ UEFA Nations League match against Germany, visibly emotional and on the verge of tears.
Ake had to be replaced by Jurrien Timber just before half-time after appearing to suffer a hamstring injury.
His team-mate Cody Gakpo was seen urgently calling for a stretcher when it became clear that Nathan Ake could not continue.
The Netherlands initially took the lead through Tijani Reinders, but Deniz Undav equalized for Germany.
Joshua Kimmich then put Germany ahead in first-half stoppage time, but Denzel Dumfries managed to level the score for Ronald Koeman’s side.
Undav’s goal was the result of a mistake by Manchester United defender, Matthijs de Ligt, who conceded possession and allowed a German counter-attack.
De Ligt was substituted at half-time, with Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke coming on in his place.
This was the second error in as many games for De Ligt, although the Netherlands had previously secured a win against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their first September fixture.
“I should have done better at their second goal, and I know that,” he said.
“I don’t really know what happened.. I should have cleared the ball but I kept having doubts during the play.
“It’s just f****d.”
Manchester City are grappling with injury concerns as they approach a hectic autumn period.
A rematch of the 2023 Champions League final against Inter Milan is set to take place between two crucial league fixtures.
City will also compete in an EFL Cup tie against Watford, followed by a Premier League visit to Newcastle United.
As October kicks off, they will embark on their first Champions League away game of the campaign, facing Slovan Bratislava.
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