Akanji to have surgery and miss up to 10 weeks

Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji will undergo surgery for a thigh injury and is expected to be sidelined for up to 10 weeks.

The 29-year-old Swiss international sustained the injury during City's 3-2 Champions League loss to Real Madrid. Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed Akanji’s surgery is scheduled for Saturday.

Meanwhile, Jack Grealish also suffered a groin injury in the same match, though it is less severe.

Guardiola doubts Grealish will be fit for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Newcastle. Akanji has played 30 games this season, including 20 Premier League starts.

His injury adds to City's defensive woes, as John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Ruben Dias have recently returned from injuries. Guardiola praised Akanji’s dedication, saying his body "said enough is enough."