Manchester City are currently without three injured players as the season continues to take its toll.
It’s been yet another gruelling campaign for Manchester City as they fight on three different fronts to reclaim their silverware.
Pep Guardiola’s side are three points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals next week and have drawn Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals.
City have a chance to draw level with Jurgen Klopp’s outfit, for a day at least, when they take on Aston Villa in the Premier League on Wednesday.
Though he’s expected to be in the squad, it’s not yet clear if John Stones can play.
Man City injury list ahead of Premier League fixture with Aston Villa, including John Stones latest
The centre-back was on the bench for Sunday’s draw with Arsenal despite the injury he picked up with England but did not come on off the bench.
Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference: “He has to feel fully fit but the injury was less than we expected in the moment but we will see. For today and maybe for the next games, he will be ready.”
However, three players have been ruled out of the game. Here’s the latest update and when they are expected to be back.
Kyle Walker injury latest
Kyle Walker lasted just twenty minutes of England’s defeat to Brazil during the international break before hobbling off the field with a thigh injury.
It was initially hoped the strain wouldn’t be too serious and going off was just a precautionary measure.
But the captain missed the draw with Arsenal and has now been ruled out of Wednesday’s game as well as next week’s clash with Real Madrid.
What Guardiola said: “Listen, the doctor said no but Kyle [Walker] is Kyle, has special genetics. But the doctor said to me, it was quite serious but I said, Kyle is Kyle.”
Potential return date: April 13
Nathan Ake injury latest
City’s defensive injury woes continued on Sunday when Nathan Ake was forced off the field in the first half and replaced by Rico Lewis.
Guardiola does not sound confident that he will be available again any time soon.
What Guardiola said: “[Nathan is] injured. There are two months left so hopefully he will be back soon but I don’t know exactly the timings. For the next games, he will not be ready.”
Potential return date: N/A
Ederson injury latest
Goalkeeper Ederson has been sidelined since he injured his thigh when upending Darwin Nunez in the box against Liverpool.
It was hoped he would be back in time to face Arsenal but he wasn’t and remains sidelined for Wednesday.
What Guardiola said: “The other two [Ederson and Walker, to be fit for Villa] no chance.”
Potential return date: April 6