Man City defender Nathan Ake will probably miss the rest of the season after surgery on a broken foot.
Ake, 30, has been a crucial member of Pep Guardiola's formerly all-conquering side in recent years and has made 143 performances for the club since he joined Bournemouth in 2020.
However, the Dutch defender has passed a frustrating season, with Ake only played 18 times in all competitions in 2024-25 after an injury-driven campaign.
Ake missed about two months of action in September and October because of a hamstring injury, while he was also absent in December – before he suffered a muscle problem in January that kept him outside for about four weeks.
His last setback took place during the 3-1 victory of Man City in Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday.
Ake was withdrawn during the break and the 30-year-old has since had a successful operation with a long-term foot problem prior to starting his rehabilitation.
Going to Instagram to break his silence about the issue, Ake gave an update to fans about the seriousness of his injury.
“This has been such a frustrating season for me,” he wrote. 'But I have now undergone a successful operation on a break in my foot that has been bothering me for months and I am positive about the future!
“Rest and recovery now, goodbye to city and thanks for your support.”
Speaking after the victory over Plymouth – who had seen the city 3-1 win from 1-0 Down – Guardiola had given information about the problem of Ake.
“No, so tomorrow we do the test, but yes, he sometimes struggles with the feet, with the bone,” said the Spaniard.
'And apparently you know … yes, it's the whole season, it has been like that. Unfortunately, the central defenders cannot be (consistently injury -free).
“Hopefully the young people – they don't have many scars in their lives – can maintain and help us until the end.”
After the news about the absence of Ake, the current and former teammates in Club and Country were quickly their best wishes to him.
Erling Haaland just trusted the prayer semoji, while Rico Lewis did the same and added a Love Heart Emoji.
Elsewhere, Ake's Dutch teammates Micky van de Ven, Donyell Malen, Sven Botman and Cody Gakpo also shared their best wishes for the 30-year-old.
The last problem of Ake means that he connects with experienced defenders John Stones and Manuel Akanji on the sidelines, while the battle of the city will continue with injuries this season.
Ruben Dias and January -Abdukodir Khusanov and Vorror Reis areas are the only remaining fit central defenders as a city struggle for Champions League qualification next to FA Cup Glory.
City will be in action again on Saturday when they travel to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
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