MANCHESTER CITY face an injury crisis after defender Aymeric Laporte limped off injured against Real Madrid.
The centre-half lasted just 33 minutes in the Spanish capital after going down off the ball in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 tie.
Aymeric Laporte limped off injured against Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Laporte lasted just 33 minutes in the Spanish capital after going down off the ballCredit: AP:Associated Press
Laporte was replaced by Fernandinho as he appeared to be in tears after leaving the Bernabeu pitch.
City play relegation battling Aston Villa on Sunday in the Carabao Cup final – a tournament Laporte has not made a single appearance in due to prior injuries.
The Frenchman has been plagued with injuries this season, suffering a knee problem as early as September.
But he returned to the City squad at the start of the New Year and went on to make three appearances in the league as he hoped to give his side a much needed defensive boost.
Laporte told Sky Sports: “Obviously it’s difficult for me when you see your teammates suffering because you are drawing or losing.
Laporte appeared to be in tears as he came off the pitchCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“I want to give what I can do for the team and everything I can for winning the game and make a performance.”
Laporte helped City keep a clean sheet as they beat Leicester 1-0 away from home last weekend.
But the defender asked to come off after 58 minutes as he struggled to keep up with the pace of the Foxes attacking line.
Etihad boss Pep Guradiola explained: “He asked me to be subbed. He’s not injured.
“We cannot forget he has been out for four or five months injured. They run a lot, Vardy, Kelechi (Iheanacho), Barnes, they are all so fast.
“It was quite different against West Ham (on Wednesday) where they was only one striker so it was easier to control, but he’s OK.”
In Laporte’s absence England defender John Stones has only managed 12 starts this season but Nicolas Otamendi has made 29 appearances in all competitions.
Holding midfielder Fernandinho has played 28 times with almost all of them at centre-back as the 5ft 8in Brazilian provided cover at the back.
Fernandinho replaced by injured Laporte in defenceCredit: Reuters
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
