‘Can’t wait to see him play’ – Many fans delighted as Man City get Manuel Akanji boost ahead of Champions League start

Manchester City received a huge boost on Sunday, as deadline day signing of Manuel Akanji returned to club following leave for the birth of his child.

The Swiss international central defender arrived on deadline day to help solve our defensive injury issues.

With injuries to Nathan Aké and Aymeric Laporte leaving the Premier League champions lacking in depth, they had to bring in another centre-back to prevent their troubles at the end of last season from returning.

Pep Guardiola has brought in the defensive reinforcement City needed, looking at the qualities Manuel Akanji will provide as defensive back-up.

Speaking over the weekend, manager Pep Guardiola revealed that his new centre-back could be available to make his debut in the Champions League this week.

Manchester City travel to Sevilla to open their Champions League account for the new season, as they embark on a group stage campaign that also features FC Copenhagen and Borussia Dortmund.

When asked whether Manuel Akanji could be available for Tuesday night’s European encounter, the Manchester City manager kept his response brief.

“I think so. He feels good,” Guardiola opened, speaking after the club’s 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday evening.

“He couldn’t be here because he had a baby born, so congratulations to him, his wife and family. (But) he is ready, he came back really well from (Borussia) Dortmund.”

“He’s trained one day. Friday afternoon he flew to his wife. I think today (Saturday) or tomorrow (Sunday) he is coming back to Manchester.”

According to Manchester Evening News, Manuel Akanji trained at Man City on Sunday after his leave over the weekend.

While a start looks unlikely, Akanji could come off the bench for his first minutes with his new club given five substitutions are available in each match.

Man City fans have reacted to this major boost, with the majority claiming him and Ake will form ‘another new partnership’. Nearly every single City fan can’t wait to see their deadline signing play.

We have picked out some of the best reactions below…

They ain’t ready😮‍💨 https://t.co/Ihqw3h6OAz

— ⁹ (@CrustyFlacko) September 4, 2022

“Ake x Akanji is another new partnership I’m dying to see 💪”
Credit: @CrustyFlacko

“Can’t wait to see him play”
Credit: @citizen_1k

“I can’t lie i’m ready for Akanji Ball”
Credit: @19Alvarez_

“Now the defence is strengthened we should be a lot surer at the back”
Credit: @CJetwash1