Manchester City's FA Cup victory over Plymouth Argyle came at a cost, as defender Nathan Ake was forced off with an injury in the first half, according to Daily Mail. The Dutch international's departure added to City's growing defensive injury crisis, with John Stones and Manuel Akanji already sidelined.
City manager Pep Guardiola was relieved to see his side come from behind to secure a 3-1 win over the Championship strugglers, but his joy was tempered by Ake's injury. "Now again we have central defenders out," Guardiola said in his post-match press conference. "I think we are going to miss Nathan."
Guardiola's comments highlighted the significance of Ake's injury, which could further deplete City's defensive options. The Spanish manager has had to rely on January signings Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis to bolster his defensive ranks, and Ake's absence could put additional pressure on these new recruits.
Despite the injury blow, City's win over Plymouth Argyle was a welcome boost for the team, which has endured a disappointing season. The Premier League champions trail leaders Liverpool by 20 points and have already exited the Champions League, making the FA Cup their last remaining hope for silverware.
City's victory was hard-fought, with Plymouth Argyle taking a surprise lead through Maksym Talovierov's header. However, City's quality eventually told, with goals from Nico O'Reilly, Kevin De Bruyne, and a late winner securing a place in the quarter-finals.