Manuel Akanji is optimistic about being fit and available for Manchester City’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth after missing the Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham due to injury.
Akanji was originally named in the starting lineup at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but was a late withdrawal, with Ruben Dias stepping in to start instead.
Initially reported as a calf issue by Sky Sports, Pep Guardiola later clarified that Akanji “felt something muscular in the meniscus” during Tuesday’s training session.
Although he was cleared to play, Akanji experienced the same discomfort during warm-up, leading to the decision for him not to participate.
Guardiola noted that while the Swiss international had volunteered to start, the final decision was ultimately made for his well-being.
Now, Manuel Akanji has informed Sky Sports that he feels “fine” and expects to train on Friday, aiming to be ready for Saturday’s match against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
The injury has been described as “tightness in his groin.”
His return would be a welcome boost for City, which is currently dealing with an injury crisis.
Guardiola revealed after the Spurs match that he had only 13 fit players available.
Six players remain sidelined until at least the international break, including Savinho, who is undergoing tests to assess the ankle injury that forced him to be stretchered off during the match against Spurs.
Some reports from Brazil and Spain suggest that Savinho’s condition may not be as serious as initially feared, but Guardiola is expected to provide a clearer update on Friday.
Josko Gvardiol received treatment following the Spurs game and is considered a doubt for the Bournemouth match, while Ruben Dias is reportedly “struggling,” according to his manager.
Rodri and Oscar Bobb are longer-term absentees, and Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, and Jeremy Doku are not expected to return before the international break.
After the Tottenham defeat, Man City face three more challenging away trips, with matches against Bournemouth, Sporting, and Brighton lined up in the coming week.
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