Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that Nathan Ake is feeling "much better" but is yet to take part in training ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Fulham.
The 28-year-old was forced off in the second half of City's 1-1 second-leg draw away against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals just over a week ago after pulling up with a hamstring problem.
Ake has since missed the Citizens' last two games including the 4-1 Premier League victory at home against title rivals Arsenal on Wednesday.
City's No.6 has been one of the standout performers for Guardiola's side this season, starting 29 of his 36 appearances across all competitions.
The Dutchman has predominantly operated on the left side of a back four since the January loan departure of Joao Cancelo, and both Aymeric Laporte and Manuel Akanji have since played in that role in the last two matches.
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Ahead of City's trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham in the Premier League, Guardiola has provided a positive update on Ake's fitness, although Sunday's match will likely come too soon for the defender.
Speaking at a press conference about Ake on Friday, Guardiola said: "He's much better. The player knows his body and the reaction. He's still not training in the team.
"I think it won't be long, but maybe tomorrow comes and the trainer says he's not training, but I think not."
Guardiola revealed after the win over Arsenal that man-of-the-match Kevin De Bruyne – who scored twice and provided an assist – requested to come off in the second half due to "some niggles in his legs".
No questions were specifically asked about De Bruyne's fitness at the press conference, but Guardiola has confirmed that "everyone is fit except Nathan."
Man City's convincing triumph over Arsenal has seen them take control of the Premier League title race, with the reigning champions now sitting just two points behind the Gunners with two games in hand.
With Mikel Arteta's side next in action against London rivals Chelsea next Tuesday, City can climb to the top of the table for the first time in 72 days with a victory over Fulham.
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Guardiola admitted after the win over Arsenal that City's Premier League destiny is back in their hands, but he has insisted that there is still a long way to go in the title race.
"It's not over. It'll be over when it's over," said Guardiola. "We still have seven games (to play). We have to do our game. I know what happened when we won at the Emirates. Then we drew at Nottingham Forest."
"Now we go to Fulham against an incredible team. We're taking nothing for granted. We're happy for the last game and the performance but that is all. I know it's not 20 games left, it's seven, but seven games are seven games. Especially considering we have Champions League games and so on."
Guardiola added: "Don't misunderstand me, even if we were in the same position 10 points behind – I trust my players. The players are the same, you have to seduce them every single day to make sure it works. Losing is part of the competition. We are there to try and [win the title]. The feeling is good, but we have to prove it again."
Man City, who have won nine of their last 10 Premier League games, will be confident of success on Sunday having beaten Fulham in each of their last 13 meetings across all competitions.
Oliver Thomas
