Heading into today’s Premier League clash with Fulham Manchester City will be without four key players. Kevin De Bruyne, Oscar Bobb, Rodri and Nathan Ake will all miss tomorrow’s match at the Etihad Stadium due to injury. But there appears to be positive news on the fitness of Nathan Ake. Pep Guardiola has provided an update on the status of the Dutch international. It appears that Ake will finally return to action after the international break.

Pep Guardiola was asked during the embargoed section of his pre-game press conference about the fitness of Nathan Ake. The City manager informed the media that Ake is nearing a return. He said: “Yeah, we expect him back after the international break. I would say without injuries, but Nathan is not like Phil Foden for example, or another player, I don’t know that in two training sessions they are fit. He needs time!”

Guardiola added that Ake has finally returned to training. He added: “I think, the info I had yesterday or the day before is that he started training on the pitch, and we will see.”

Nathan Ake has been out of action since he was substituted with a hamstring injury during the Netherlands 2-all UEFA Nations League draw with Germany. The ever reliable Ake was stretchered off just before halftime of the game after stretching for the ball. He has missed all of Manchester City’s matches since the September international break due to the injury he sustained.

But Pep Guardiola’s new update on Nathan Ake’s return is good news for Manchester City. The Dutch defender is one of City’s most reliable players. If he does return after the international break it will boost City’s defensive stocks for what lies ahead after the October international break.