Akanji adds to Guardiola's injury worries

DEFENDER AND HAALAND UNLIKELY TO RETURN THIS MONTH

- SIMON BAJKOWSKI

MANU Akanji has added to City's injury list after being forced off against Huddersfield Town.

Akanji limped off in the first half following a heavy tackle and has not trained this week. Pep Guardiola did not call the injury a serious one but could not be certain that the defender will return before the end of the month.

While the Blues have welcomed Kevin de Bruyne and Jeremy Doku back into the team following five months and five weeks of respective absences, they have been hit by other setbacks. As well as Erling Haaland suffering a blow in his recovery effort, injury to John Stones at Everton has been followed by Akanji the man seen as the most natural replacement in that hybrid defensive role.