Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says both Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake “feel good” after recovering full fitness.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Guardiola revealed that the two defenders had taken part in first-team training on Monday so they will be in contention to face Real Madrid and Chelsea this week.
Supporters on X were delighted to hear that Walker and Ake will be available for two massive fixtures:
Lovely
— Emir🇸🇪 (@FodenCTID) April 16, 2024
That’s a win win
— Yo’ Step Daddy 🤓 (@Futurewarlok) April 16, 2024
so backkkk😍😍🔥🌟
— bo🗂️ |DEAD POETS SOCIETY| (@bobodrafts) April 16, 2024
Pray for Real Madrid
— AJ💎 (@amiany_o) April 16, 2024
Things I like to hear
— Gravity⚠️ (@OliverDaberechi) April 16, 2024
We are back babyyyy
— Sk (@sk_mcfc) April 16, 2024
City now have a fully fit squad
Ake had been sidelined with a calf problem since pulling up in the first half of the 0-0 draw against Arsenal last month. The Dutchman had missed the last three games before returning to the bench for the win over Luton on Saturday.
With Ake and Walker available, the only other fitness concern is John Stones. The defender has been suffering from a minor niggle, but Guardiola insists that he is fit and ready to play.
Will Walker be risked against Real?
Like Ake, the fullback was an unused substitute against Luton and Guardiola has expressed concerns about picking Walker so soon after his return from a hamstring injury.
Considering his excellent performances against Real Madrid in the past, Guardiola will be tempted to start the 33-year-old but it would be a major risk as he hasn’t played any football for the best part of a month.
It’s probably more likely that Walker (and potentially Ake) will make appearances off the bench at the Etihad tonight before returning to the starting lineup for the FA Cup semi-final clash at Wembley this weekend.
