Manchester City defender Nathan Ake was not in training on Monday morning, according to BBC reporter Simon Stone.

With the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid coming up on Tuesday night, the Dutchman looks unlikely to feature in the game, and fans on Twitter are concerned:

Noooooooo please

— 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗥𝗬 (@winryone) May 8, 2023

What joke is this

— Ok I’m Dee❤️❤️ (@diodata_Zw) May 8, 2023

Ahhhhjhhhhh😭😭😭😭😭😭

— André❄ (@andre_luthuli) May 8, 2023

Big blow 😤

— Jeremiah Johnson (@a_jerry_j) May 8, 2023

Nooo💔💔

— Theodore (@TheodoreAbbey3) May 8, 2023

Akanji vs Rodrigo

It might be over

— Richie (@Mysterio__01) May 8, 2023

whywhywhywhy

— Boss_KR (@HighLight_Kor) May 8, 2023

oh no..

— maia (@citehblues) May 8, 2023

Ake had only just returned from a hamstring injury so it is more than likely that he has suffered a recurrence of the problem.

It would be a massive setback if the centre-back isn’t available. He fits in perfectly to Pep Guardiola’s three-at-the-back system which has worked so well in recent months. It means Manuel Akanji will probably have to cover the left-hand side, while Kyle Walker slots back in on the other flank.

Ake’s absence can be mitigated so it isn’t the end of the world, but it does limit the options at the back, which could have ramifications for City’s Premier League title hopes. They can’t afford to rest players with Arsenal just behind them and, with Guardiola already saying that some of his stars are tired, you do wonder how the squad will cope in the coming weeks.