Manchester City received a significant boost regarding Nathan Ake’s injury concerns, potentially leading to financial benefits from UEFA. Ake had been a source of worry for the club after sustaining a hamstring injury during their summer tour in Asia, causing him to miss the Community Shield match.
The situation escalated when Ake, on international duty with the Dutch national team, appeared to suffer another hamstring issue during their match against Greece, leading to his substitution at half-time. Ronald Koeman, the Dutch coach, emphasized that they were unwilling to take any unnecessary risks with the defender’s health.
While some uncertainty persisted as De Telegraaf reported Ake’s continued discomfort during training on Friday, the fact that he returned to the training field was regarded as an encouraging sign. The 28-year-old defender is now anticipated to be available for selection by Koeman for their upcoming match against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday evening.
This development is a welcome relief for Manchester City, as manager Pep Guardiola had fervently urged his players to return from the international break without any injuries. The club is eager to have Ake at their disposal when they face West Ham in their upcoming match next Saturday.
In addition to the boost to their defensive options, Manchester City could also stand to benefit financially from this positive turn of events with UEFA. The governing body often rewards clubs for the availability of their players for international duty, which, in this case, could translate into a financial incentive for Manchester City.
All in all, Nathan Ake’s return to training provides a glimmer of hope for Manchester City and reinforces their resolve to maintain their top form in the upcoming fixtures.