Man City XI vs Brighton: Confirmed squad news, most recent injuries and line-up expected today
The versatile Dutch centre-back has not played since the 2-1 win over relegation-threatened Leeds on May 6 after aggravating a hamstring problem.
However, City are keen to take no chances with Ake’s fitness with a fifth top-flight title in six seasons already secured following Arsenal’s loss to Nottingham Forest last weekend.
Following Wednesday’s rearranged trip to Brighton, City travel to Brentford on the final day of the season on Sunday before looking to secure the treble with FA Cup and Champions League final dates with Manchester United and Inter Milan. respectively.
“He’s getting better,” Guardiola said of Ake’s fitness during his pre-Brighton press conference on Tuesday. “He is at the last stage. We have to be careful after being injured for the second time, in case we need him for United or Inter.
“He is better, I don’t know if he will arrive tomorrow or Brentford but the last stages.”
Besides Ake, Guardiola admitted City have a few other minor injury issues to contend with ahead of taking on Brighton and Brentford, with the Spaniard hoping to keep his side fresh for the huge finals ahead.
Guardiola made sweeping changes to his starting line-up for Sunday’s 1-0 win over Chelsea as Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne were among those rested ahead of their epic title celebrations at the Etihad.
“We have players with issues,” Guardiola said. “To play our best football, we have to be completely focused on these two games because they are very good teams.”
predicted City of Man XI: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Laporte; Lewis, Rodri; Silva, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Mahrez; Haaland (3-2-4-1)
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