Man City defender Nathan Ake is likely to miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on a fractured foot.
Ake, 30, has been a crucial member of Pep Guardiola’s previously all-conquering side over recent years, making 143 appearances for the club since joining from Bournemouth in 2020.
However, the Dutch defender has endured a frustrating season, with Ake playing just 18 times in all competitions in 2024-25 following an injury-disrupted campaign.
Ake missed around two months of action in September and October due to a hamstring injury, while he was also absent in December – before he suffered another muscle issue in January that kept him out for around four weeks.
His latest setback occurred during Man City’s 3-1 win over Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday.
Ake was withdrawn at half-time and the 30-year-old has since undergone a successful operation on a long-standing foot problem ahead of starting his rehab.
Man City defender Nathan Ake is likely to miss the rest of the season due to a foot injury
Ake took to Instagram on Monday night to confirm he had undergone surgery on the issue
The injury is another blow to Pep Guardiola in what has been a difficult season for the Spaniard
Taking to Instagram to break his silence on the issue, Ake gave an update to fans on the seriousness of his injury.
‘This has been such a frustrating season for me,’ he wrote. ‘But I have now had a successful surgery on a fracture in my foot which has been bothering me for months and I am looking positively to the future!
‘Rest and recover now, see you soon Cityzens and thank you for your support.’
Speaking after the victory over Plymouth – which had seen City win 3-1 having come from 1-0 down – Guardiola had given information on Ake’s issue.
‘No, so tomorrow we’ll do the test, but yeah, he struggles sometimes with the feet, with the bone,’ the Spaniard said.
‘And apparently, you know… yeah, it’s all season it’s been like that. Unfortunately, the central defenders, they cannot be (consistently injury-free).
‘Hopefully, the young ones – they don’t have a lot of scars in their lives – can sustain and help us until the end.’
Following news of Ake’s absence, current and former team-mates across club and country were quick to send their best wishes to him.
Ake had been forced off at half-time of City’s 3-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup
Ake’s City team-mate Erling Haaland was among several players to send their best to him
Erling Haaland simply relied with the prayer emoji, while Rico Lewis did similar as well as adding a love heart emoji.
Elsewhere, Ake’s Netherlands team-mates Micky van de Ven, Donyell Malen, Sven Botman and Cody Gakpo also shared their best wishes for the 30-year-old.
Ake’s latest problem means he joins experienced defenders John Stones and Manuel Akanji on the sidelines as City’s struggles with injuries this season continue.
Ruben Dias and January signings Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis are theur only remaining fit central defenders as City battle for Champions League qualification alongside FA Cup glory.
City are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
