Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola appeared to aim a dig at Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman when asked about Nathan Ake's injury absence.
Ake was taken off on a stretcher during the first half of Netherlands' 2-2 Nations League draw with Germany on Tuesday.
He appeared to suffer a hamstring problem, and he fell to the ground unchallenged.
Advert
There was immediate concern among City fans over how long Ake would be out of action for, with a number of key fixtures on the horizon including the start of the new Champions League final.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of City's home Premier League fixture against Brentford, Guardiola admitted that Ake may not be available until after the next international break in mid-October.
He also appeared to take a dig at Koeman and the Netherlands staff by adding: "We are unlucky with Nathan and the national team. Every time he goes there, he comes back injured."
Ake signed for City from Bournemouth in 2020, and despite a slow start to life at the Etihad Stadium, he has emerged as an important player for Guardiola's side in the past three seasons.
Advert
The Dutchman made 29 Premier League appearances last term and has been at the club for each of their four consecutive domestic league title victories.
Ake also lifted the Champions League in 2023, having started the final victory over Inter Milan at left centre-back.
This season, he has only made one appearance due to his participation at Euro 2024 with the Netherlands, with Josko Gvardiol and Rico Lewis preferred instead by Guardiola.
City are top of the Premier League so far after winning all three of their opening league games, with Arne Slot's Liverpool behind them on goal difference.
Advert
They take on Brentford on Saturday at the Etihad Stadium.
Topics: Pep Guardiola, Ronald Koeman, Football, Manchester City, Netherlands
Ryan Smart