Just when you thought Manchester City’s squad was running smoother than a Swiss watch—bam! The goalkeeper hits the turf, and Pep’s eyebrows do a full somersault. City fans held their pint with a little more urgency after Ederson was injured in the 5-2 win over Crystal Palace last weekend. While the Brazilian shot-stopper nurses his wounded pride (and leg), worry not— Akanji is back and he is moving as if he’s never had a muscle strain.
With the kind of timing usually reserved for dramatic movie comebacks, Akanji returned to training this week ahead of City’s trip to Goodison Park. Pep Guardiola, ever the philosopher-coach, gave reporters his best “we’ll see” face regarding Ederson’s return but looked visibly more chipper when chatting about the Swiss defender. Phil Foden’s name was in the conversation too—turns out he is also back in action, which gives Pep a little more sparkle in his squad rotation roulette.
His Return Could Be the Calm in City’s Storm
Let’s be honest—City without Ederson is like a pizza without cheese. Functional, yes. Satisfying? Debatable. But throw Akanji back into the mix and suddenly you’ve got defensive stability and a man who moves like a metronome on Red Bull. After missing a few training sessions, Akanji has now completed two or three with the squad, and Pep says he’s “moving really well”—which is coach-speak for “he won’t trip over his laces.”
Ortega Starts, Akanji Might Save Pep’s Sanity
While Stefan Ortega takes up glove duties against Everton, City fans can breathe a bit easier knowing Akanji may be ready to marshal the backline. Whether he starts or not is Pep’s little secret—but just having him available gives the squad some much-needed defensive swagger.
Final Whistle: City Marches On (With Akanji In Tow)
Injuries? Inconvenient. Akanji’s return? Immaculate. With Foden looking fresh and Akanji shaking off the rust, City might just have enough firepower (and defensive muscle) to keep their title hopes alive—and their Champions League spot safe.
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