Manchester City were dealt a harsh double injury setback during the 3-2 loss to Real Madrid ahead of Newcastle United’s visit to the Etihad Stadium this weekend.
Pep Guardiola fielded all of his centre-backs in a formation he hasn’t been able to utilise this season, with Manuel Akanji chosen to handle Vinicius Jr following Kyle Walker’s January departure to AC Milan. England playmaker Jack Grealish was an unexpected starter for City on the left in an attempt to dominate possession against the reigning Champions League champions – but he was forced to leave the pitch after 30 minutes having played a crucial part in Erling Haaland’s opening goal.
Just before half-time, meanwhile, with Akanji receiving praise from his teammates for thwarting Vinicius’ delivery during a threatening attack, the Swiss international was seen clutching his groin, and he went down. He managed to make it to the break, limping off while conversing with the referee, and did not return after half-time.
Rico Lewis replaced him in City’s second mandatory substitution, with Akanji now a significant doubt for next week’s second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. He’s also at risk of missing their clash against Eddie Howe‘s team.
Matheus Nunes, who had a spell playing at right-back in January, returned after missing training during the week but only made it to the bench. Oscar Bobb remains out injured, while Nathan Ake and Jeremy Doku have returned following their own concerns.
Pep Guardiola did not offer an update on Grealish after the game, nor on Akanji. But Grealish has now offered an optimistic outlook on the issue, saying he ‘hopes’ the injury is not serious and offered motivation to his teammates for next week’s Champions League knockout play-off second leg vs Madrid.
Posting on Instagram, Grealish wrote: “Hopefully the injury isn’t too bad and thank you for the support last night. Still all to play for next week.”
City will face the Magpies before that, however. Newcastle will head to Manchester on Saturday as they look to bounce back from the 2-1 home defeat to Fulham in the Premier League. Since then, the Magpies have booked a place in the final of the Carabao Cup and progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup with victories over Arsenal and Birmingham City respectively.
Ultimate Guide to the Carabao Cup Final 2025
Newcastle United are in the Carabao Cup Final – and you can get your hands on our special cup final guide ahead of the Wembley showpiece!
It includes interviews, features, the path to the final and analysis of the big game, it is a must for all Magpies fans.
Pre order your Ultimate Guide to the Carabao Cup Final 2025 NOW and have it delivered directly to your door. Alternatively you can purchase in most supermarkets, high street retailers and independent newsagents in the North East from March 5, 2025.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-handed-major-boost-30987204
