Nathan Ake was stretchered off during the Netherlands’ Nations League match
Manchester City defender Nathan Ake was carried off on a stretcher during the Netherlands’ Nations League draw against Germany in Amsterdam.
Nathan Ake was forced to leave the field on a stretcher just before halftime after suffering what appeared to be a hamstring injury during the Netherlands’ Nations League match against Germany. The 29-year-old Manchester City defender had recently made his first Premier League appearance of the season, coming on as a late substitute in Pep Guardiola’s side’s 3-1 victory over West Ham before the international break.
The Netherlands started Tuesday’s match brightly, taking the lead within just two minutes. Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring after excellent work from Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch, who set him up for a neat finish. However, Germany quickly responded, and Deniz Undav, making his first start for his national team, equalized with a composed first-time finish to score his debut international goal.
Just before halftime, Germany managed to take the lead. Joshua Kimmich found space at the back post and calmly slotted the ball into the net, putting the visitors 2-1 up. It was a blow to the Netherlands, compounded by Ake’s injury, as they went into the break trailing and without one of their key defensive players.
Despite the setback, the Netherlands came out strong in the second half. Only five minutes into the restart, Denzel Dumfries found the back of the net from inside the box to bring the game level at 2-2, providing a much-needed boost for the Dutch side.
Germany, however, had chances to reclaim the lead. David Raum came close to securing the win when he connected with a cross from Kai Havertz, but his header sailed over the bar, missing the opportunity to put his team ahead once again.
The match ended in a hard-fought 2-2 draw, with both teams showing moments of quality and resilience. The Netherlands will be left concerned by Ake’s injury, especially given his importance both for his national side and Manchester City. With the defender’s Premier League club chasing another title, City will be hoping the injury isn’t too severe and that Ake can return to action soon.
Germany, on the other hand, will be pleased with the performances of players like Undav, who made a strong impression in his first start for the national team. Though they couldn’t secure a victory, Germany showed promise in their attacking play, while the Netherlands displayed their fighting spirit to recover after falling behind.
Overall, the match provided plenty of drama and action, though the injury to Ake casts a shadow over the result. Both teams will now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures, but for the Netherlands and Manchester City fans alike, the focus will be on the extent of Ake’s injury and how long he might be sidelined.