Haaland, De Bruyne - Manchester City injury news as concern creeps in ahead of FA Cup vs Chelsea

Phil Foden in action against Real Madrid. -Credit:2024 Chris Brunskill/Fantasista
Phil Foden in action against Real Madrid. -Credit:2024 Chris Brunskill/Fantasista


Manchester City were knocked out of the Champions League quarter-finals after a 5-4 penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid.

The match was taken to extra-time and consequently penalties after the sides drew 1-1 at the Etihad Stadium. Rodrygo's 12th minute opener was cancelled out by Kevin De Bruyne in the second half.

Pep Guardiola had a full squad at his disposal, with trio Kyle Walker, Phil Foden and Rodri named in the starting XI. Foden was substituted off with a dead leg in the first game and consequently was named as unused substitute in the 5-1 win over Luton Town last weekend.

Meanwhile, Rodri also made his return in midfield after being absent against Luton, with the City boss confirming he hadn't suffered an injury and had rested him ahead of a busy run-in. Nathan Ake and John Stones were named on the bench, and the latter replaced Manuel Akanji in extra-time.

There were fresh concerns around a trio of key players though. Erling Haaland was replaced before extra-time began, while Kevin De Bruyne - like Akanji - had to be brought off before the 120 minutes were up.

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Ahead of the FA Cup semi-final tie with Chelsea, MEN Sport has taken a look at the latest injury news...

Erling Haaland

The Norwegian goalscorer failed to make it to extra time against Real Madrid, with Pep Guardiola revealing afterwards that Haaland had told his manager he was unable to continue beyond the 90 minutes.

"Erling and Kevin [De Bruyne] asked me to go out," said Guardiola. "They could not continue, like Manu [Akanji]. They were playing amazing and I'm not a big fan of so many substitutions but Kevin, Erling and Manu asked me to go out because they could not continue."

Possible return date: Unknown

Kevin De Bruyne

It was a similar story for De Bruyne, who lasted until the 112th minute before being replaced by Mateo Kovacic.

"Erling and Kevin asked me to go out," said Guardiola. "They could not continue, like Manu [Akanji]. They were playing amazing and I'm not a big fan of so many substitutions but Kevin, Erling and Manu asked me to go out because they could not continue."

Possible return date: Unknown

Manuel Akanji

Like De Bruyne, centre-back Akanji was also taken off minutes before the penalty shootout having told Guardiola was unable to continue.

"Erling and Kevin asked me to go out," said Guardiola. "They could not continue, like Manu [Akanji]. They were playing amazing and I'm not a big fan of so many substitutions but Kevin, Erling and Manu asked me to go out because they could not continue."

Possible return date: Unknown

Nathan Ake

Nathan Ake has been recovering from an unspecified injury ever since the win in the Manchester derby last month.

He made his return to the matchday squad against Luton Town and Real Madrid but was an unused substitute.

Possible return date: April 20 vs Chelsea.

Phil Foden

Phil Foden was substituted during the first leg against Real Madrid with a dead leg.

As a result, Foden missed the win over Luton as he was rested ahead of the second leg, although he was named in the matchday squad. He played the full 120 minutes against Real Madrid and appeared to come through unscathed.

Returned: April 17 vs Real Madrid.

Rodri

Rodri also missed the win over Luton Town as he opted to have a rest ahead of a busy run-in.

Guardiola confirmed that the midfielder had not suffered an injury and was merely not selected to maintain his fitness. Sure enough, he was able to play the full match on Wednesday night.

Returned: April 17 vs Real Madrid.

John Stones

John Stones is another who missed the win over Luton Town with a potential fitness issue.

Guardiola confirmed, though, that Stones had not suffered an injury and was being rested as a precaution. Nonetheless, he had to settle for a place on the bench against Real Madrid, but was brought on for Manuel Akanji with barely ten minutes to spare.

Returned: April 17 vs Real Madrid.

Kyle Walker

Prior to Wednesday night, Kyle Walker had not played for City ever since the goalless draw with Arsenal at the end of last month.

The right-back made his return to the matchday squad against Luton, where he was an unused substitute, before returning to the starting XI against Real Madrid, where he appeared to be back to his usual self.

Returned: April 17 vs Real Madrid.