Manuel Akanji is ready to make his Manchester City debut this week, manager Pep Guardiola has revealed.
The Swiss international central defender became the reigning Premier League champions' final signing of the summer.
Becoming the sixth player to join the club on transfer deadline day, Akanji completed Manchester City's revamp of their squad in an attempt to not only retain their English top-flight title, but also secure their first ever Champions League trophy.
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Manuel Akanji joined Erling Haaland in making the switch from Borussia Dortmund to the Etihad Stadium this summer, and could finally link up with his former teammate on the pitch this week.
Other summer signings included Sergio Gomez from RSC Anderlecht, Stefan Ortega Moreno from Arminia Bielefeld, Julian Alvarez from River Plate, and Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United.
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.
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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.
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The City boss also detailed the reason behind Akanji's absence at Villa Park at the weekend, stating, “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."
Pep Guardiola continued, “He’s trained one day. Friday afternoon he flew to his wife.
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“I think today (Saturday) or tomorrow (Sunday) he is coming back to Manchester."
Manchester City are expected to name their complete travelling squad list for the trip to Spain on Monday afternoon.
Following the high-profile sales of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko to Arsenal, as well as Raheem Sterling to Chelsea, Manchester City's squad is looking trim.
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Nevertheless, Pep Guardiola will be bringing a whole host of superstar names to Spain on Monday, with the English champions the clear favourites to take home all three points on matchday one.
Topics: Manchester City, Premier League, Champions League, Sevilla, Pep Guardiola
Freddie Pye