Manchester City is still very much in the race to end the season with three major trophies. The team led by coach Josep Guardiola is on top of the Premier League, will soon play the FA Cup final against Manchester United.
The Dutch international has been an important link in Manchester City's defense this season. Aké is naturally a central defender, but Guardiola saw an important role for him on the left-back position. This also seems to have become his position in the Dutch national team, as he started both times as a left-back in the first two international matches under Ronald Koeman. Aké scored an important goal against West Ham United last week.
In the run-up to the home game against AZ's opponent in the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League, Guardiola emphasized once again how important Aké is for Manchester City. Therefore, the left-footed defender's injury during the league match against Leeds United last Saturday was a big blow for the Premier League leader. Aké had to miss the first leg against Real Madrid and it remains to be seen whether he is fit enough for the visit to Everton on Saturday and the return match against the Spanish team on Wednesday.
"He's doing much better now, but I don't know," Guardiola said at the press conference on Friday afternoon about his defender. "We train in a few hours, we'll see." The coach could not provide clarity on Aké yet. It is likely that Guardiola will not start the Dutchman deliberately against Everton on Saturday, so that he may be fit enough to play against Real Madrid.
