NATHAN AKE appeared to be on the brink of tears as he was stretchered off injured.<br /><br />The Manchester City defender was in action for Holland against Germany in their Nations League clash in Amsterdam.<br /><br />But just before half-time, Ake picked up a horror problem.<br /><br />The ace had stayed forward from a Dutch corner and as the ball was recycled, he tried to latch on to it in the Germany penalty area.<br /><br />But while attempting to control the ball on his outstretched left foot under pressure from Joshua Kimmich, Ake pulled up with what seemed to be a hamstring pull.<br /><br />After bending over for a while, it was clear he was in serious agony.<br /><br />The stricken star had to be helped to the turf by team-mate Cody Gakpo and Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen as the referee waved on the physio team.<br /><br />Then after being treated on the field and comforted by Virgil van Dijk, the medical team carried him off as he covered his face with his hands.<br /><br />A gutted Ake was then replaced at the back by Arsenal man Jurrien Timber.<br /><br />The injury could prove to be a blow for City boss Pep Guardiola - even though Ake has been a bit-part player for the champions so far this season.<br /><br />He came on for the final minutes at West Ham after being an unused sub against Chelsea and Ipswich in the Premier League - with Guardiola opting for Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol, and Ruben Dias at the back.<br /><br />Nonetheless, Guardiola will not want to lose an important experienced defender for a prolonged chunk of the season - and a hamstring tear would mean a spell on the sidelines.<br /><br />City host Brentford on Saturday then Inter Milan in their Champions League opener next Wednesday in a repeat of the 2023 final.<br /><br />They then take on Arsenal at the Etihad on September 22.<br /><br />But the Gunners - desperate to wrestle the Premier League trophy away from City's grip this season - have their injury woes.<br /><br />Martin Odegaard limped off after rolling his ankle for Norway against Austria last night.<br /><br />New defender Riccardo Calafiori also picked up a problem on international duty following a freak collision while representing Italy.<br /><br />And fellow summer signing Mikel Merino is also out of action.<br /><br />The Spanish midfielder fractured his shoulder during his very first training session at Arsenal when he bumped into Gabriel Magalhaes.
