Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji is set to have surgery on a thigh injury, which will keep him out of action for up to 10 weeks.
The 29-year-old Switzerland international picked up the injury during Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League knockout phase at the Etihad Stadium.
Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed on Friday that Akanji will undergo surgery on Saturday, and is expected to be sidelined for eight to 10 weeks.
In contrast, Jack Grealish’s groin injury from the same match is not as severe, though Guardiola suggested the England international may not be fit for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United.
“His injury is not as bad as Manu’s, but I’m not sure if he will be ready tomorrow,” said Guardiola. “We’ll assess him.”
Akanji has featured in 20 of City’s 24 Premier League games this season and made 30 appearances across all competitions.
City, who are without key defensive midfielder Rodri since his ACL rupture in September, currently sit fifth in the Premier League, 16 points behind leaders Liverpool.
