Manchester City Defender Nathan Ake Will Be Absent Long After Foot Surgery

Nathan Ake is predicted to be absent for Manchester City after a broken leg operation (Instagram/@nathanake).

JAKARTA - Manchester City lost another player after Nathan Ake pulled over for leg surgery.

The Dutch defender was forced off the field in the first half when The Citizens won 3-1 over Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup last weekend.

Ake, who has only appeared 18 times in all competitions this season, underwent surgery on her long-standing leg problem on Monday, March 3, 2025, and now has to be out for a long time.

"It's been a very frustrating season for me, but now I've managed to have a broken leg surgery that's been bothering me for months. I'm looking at the future positively," Ake said in a post on her personal social media.

Manchester City has yet to determine the deadline for Ake's return. Pep Guardiola's side have 11 more league games plus the FA Cup quarter-finals against Bournemouth.

Their season will be extended with participation in the 2025 Club World Cup, which will begin in the United States in June 2025.

Ake's absence would be a concern for Guardiola, who had already lost John Stones in injury.

The England defender could be out for 10 weeks due to muscle problems he experienced when he lost to Real Madrid in the knockout phase of the Champions League.

Manuel Akanji was also injured so Ruben Dias was the only senior centre-back fit for Guardiola.

The players recruited in January 2025, Abdokodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis, will play key roles from now on until the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Josko Gvardiol, who is usually placed as a left-back by Guardiola, can also fill the void.

Manchester City's elimination earlier than the Champions League means they have free time a week before returning to action against Nottingham Forest at City Ground on Saturday, March 8, 2025.