Manuel Akanji, a Swiss international and a key player for Manchester City, has withdrawn from the Switzerland squad due to an injury, marking a significant setback for both the national team and the club. This development comes at a critical time for Manchester City, as they prepare for their upcoming match against Arsenal, and for Akanji, who was expected to play a crucial role in the Swiss team’s friendly against Ireland.
Akanji’s injury was first reported during Switzerland’s friendly match against Belgium, where he sustained a knock that led to him missing training on Monday ahead of the game against Ireland. The Swiss national team’s coach, Murat Yakin, confirmed Akanji’s withdrawal from the squad, indicating that he would not be available for the match against Ireland. This news was further corroborated by reports in Irish media, which suggested that Akanji had been left out of the Swiss matchday squad.
The injury to Akanji is a significant blow to Manchester City’s preparations for the Arsenal match. The club has already faced several injury concerns ahead of the game, with players like Ederson, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jack Grealish also withdrawing from international duty due to injuries. Kyle Walker, who limped out of England’s friendly with Brazil, is expected to be assessed upon his return to City, potentially affecting his availability for the Arsenal match.
Manuel Akanji’s injury and subsequent withdrawal from the Switzerland squad highlight the challenges Manchester City faces in managing their squad amidst a busy schedule. The club’s players are due to report back to the club on Thursday, ahead of the Arsenal match, where Pep Guardiola will assess the state of his squad. Guardiola has previously expressed concerns about his players’ workload and injuries, indicating a need for careful management of the squad’s health and fitness.
Akanji’s injury, along with the other injuries and withdrawals, underscores the importance of maintaining a strong and healthy squad, especially with the upcoming matches against Arsenal and the ongoing international break. The club will need to carefully manage the return of injured players and ensure that they are fully fit and available for selection.
In the meantime, Manchester City will have to navigate the upcoming match against Arsenal without Akanji, relying on the fitness and availability of other players. The club’s performance in this match will be closely watched, with fans and analysts alike eager to see how Guardiola’s team responds to the injury concerns and the need to manage their squad effectively.
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