Pep Guardiola rules out Ederson, Nathan Ake and Kyle Walker of must win Aston Villa match

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has ruled out a key defensive trio from Wednesday evening’s must win Premier League clash with Aston Villa. Ederson, Nathan Ake, and Kyle Walker will all miss the game due to injury.

The City manager was asked about the potential availability of Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Ederson for tomorrow night’s crucial match at the Etihad Stadium. He said during his pre-game press conference that John Stones could feature against Unai Emery’s side. But Kyle Walker and Ederson will not play. Pep Guardiola told the media: “I don’t think so. John (Stones), maybe. The other two no chance.”

Manchester City will also have to face high flying Aston Villa without Nathan Ake. The Dutch international limped off during the first half of Manchester City’s nil-all draw with Arsenal. Pep Guardiola didn’t have a timeline for Ake’s absence, but he did say his injury wouldn’t end his season. When asked the injury status of Nathan Ake, Guardiola informed the media: “Injured. I don’t know. No (it’s not season over for him). There’s two months left, one month and a half, two months left. Hopefully, he will be back soon, but I don’t know exactly the timing. That’s for sure for the next games he will not be ready.”

Manchester City must face fourth placed Aston Villa without three key defensive players, which is a blow for the world champions. High flying Aston Villa beat the champions 1-nil at Villa Park earlier this season. It was arguably Manchester City’s worst performance of the season as they went down to a second-half strike from Leon Bailey.

The game has become a must win match for Manchester City, given the state of the title race. They will have to do it without Ederson, Nathan Ake, and Kyle Walker which makes a tough match a little bit tougher for the champions.