A first-team star was replaced at halftime of a European Championship qualifying match, dealing Manchester City a serious injury blow.
Nathan Ake was replaced at halftime of the Netherlands’ 3-0 victory over Greece, leaving Manchester City’s coaching staff to wonder whether the versatile defender is still healthy.
The Netherlands and France entered Thursday’s match with a goal of finishing in a tie for second place in Group B of the European Championship Qualification, where France remains far ahead with 15 points after having played two more games than the Netherlands.
The Netherlands scored all three of their goals in the first half—three total—to put the game beyond any reasonable doubt. Marten de Roon scored the game’s first goal during this 22-minute span.
Following the midfielder’s initial effort, Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo scored, and then former Manchester United cult hero Wout Weghorst added the game’s decisive goal for Greece.
However, Nathan Ake of Manchester City, who had been playing on the left of a back-three for the Netherlands with Virgil van Dijk and Lutsharel Geertruida at center-back, suffered a serious injury during the halftime break.
According to information provided by Dutch broadcaster NOS, Nathan Aké’s injury prevented him from returning for the game’s second half as scheduled.
At the time, the report opined that his hamstring was “likely” to blame for the issue.
However, if Ake had suffered a muscular injury in the first half, it is expected that he would return to Manchester City right away for additional evaluation by the club medical staff.
No further information has since come to light.
Following the conclusion of the international break, City will play their first Premier League match at the London Stadium against West Ham United in an effort to keep their perfect record this season.
The UEFA Champions League returns in September, with holders City hosting Red Star Belgrade at the Etihad Stadium in the first match of the group stage.
A third-round Carabao Cup match with Newcastle United also awaits at St James’ Park.
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