Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has been ruled out of crucial upcoming fixtures against Real Madrid in the Champions League and Liverpool in the Premier League due to a muscular injury. The Swiss international was substituted at halftime during City's recent 3-2 defeat against Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium, raising concerns about his fitness. With the second leg against Madrid scheduled for next Wednesday and a league clash with Liverpool on February 23, Akanji's absence is a significant setback for City.

Manager Pep Guardiola has yet to provide a detailed update on Akanji's condition but is expected to address the media before the team's match against Newcastle on Saturday. The injury comes amid a series of defensive challenges for Guardiola, who has already had to navigate absences from key players like John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Ruben Dias. These injuries have contributed to City's inconsistent performances this season, prompting discussions about the impact of injuries on their campaign.

In addition to Akanji, forward Jack Grealish was also replaced during the match against Real Madrid, adding to the growing list of injury concerns for City. As they prepare for these pivotal fixtures, Guardiola will need to strategize effectively to compensate for the missing personnel. The team has included new signing Nico Gonzalez in their squad, but he too has faced injury issues. With the stakes high in both domestic and European competitions, Akanji's absence will be felt as City strive to regain momentum in their pursuit of silverware.