Manchester City progressed to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup but their victory over Championship side Plymouth Argyle on Saturday night came at a cost.
Pep Guardiola made 11 changes for the tie but lost centre back Nathan Ake to injury at half time. The defender was forced off at the break and looks set for an extended spell on the sidelines in the latest defensive blow to hit City this season. They are know without three recognised senior centre backs and while the prognosis on midfielder Rodri is slightly brighter as he steps up his return to fitness, City remain without a host of players as they prepare for a vital clash with Nottingham Forest this weekend.
Here's the latest from the Etihad treatment room.
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Nathan Ake
Injury: Unknown
The defender was forced off at half time against Plymouth with another injury in a season of knocks and issues both for the Dutchman and the defence as a whole. It remains to be seen what the issue is and the severity of the problem but speaking after the game, Guardiola said: "Now again we have a central defender out for a long time, I think we'll miss Nathan."
Possible return date: Unknown
Rodri
Injury: anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
Rodri has been working hard on his recovery in recent months and has stepped up his recovery. Guardiola teased a possible return ahead of the FA Cup win over Plymouth and the midfielder was on the pitch at the Etihad going through a few drills. He has taken part in an individual training session at the CFA but despite his ambitions to play again before the end of the season and Guardiola's comments, a return is not thought to be imminent..
Possible return date: May/June.
Oscar Bobb
Injury: broken leg
Bobb has not featured in any capacity for City so far this season after breaking a bone in his leg during a training session in pre-season. He has suffered a couple of minor setbacks since his initial return but is now training again. He was not involved at Tottenham on Wednesday night but his return is thought to be close.
“He is getting better, training yesterday and today as well,” said Guardiola on Friday. “It has been longer than we expected, but hopefully he can finish and help us in the last part of the season.
“We want to help him desperately. It’s been a tough period for him but always there is light at the end of the tunnel, this is life and especially in sport.”
Possible return date: Unknown.
John Stones
Injury: Thigh
Stones was forced off after just eight minutes against Madrid and it was feared he could require surgery and be sidelined for the rest of the season. But Guardiola offered a positive update last month that means he could return before the campaign is out.
Possible return date: April/May.
Manuel Akanji
Injury: muscle
Akanji faces an extended spell on the sidelines after tearing his adductor muscle in the 3-2 defeat to Madrid at the Etihad Stadium. He was forced off at half-time and Guardiola anticipates he may be out for more than two months.
He said last month: "Surgery on Saturday (last weekend). Eight to ten weeks out. His adductor is broken. We wish the best recovery for Manu because the effort he has done this season has been unbelievable."
Possible return date: late April.
