Saturday’s briefing: New Nathan Ake blow as Liam Roberts handed six-match ban

Manchester City have been hit by a fresh injury blow to defender Nathan Ake.

Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts copped a six-match ban for his ear-high challenge on Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta

Arne Slot wants Liverpool to fully focus on Saturday’s visit of Southampton.

Pep’s defensive head-Ake

City centre-half Ake faces almost three months on the sidelines following foot surgery.

Ake was forced off at half-time in last weekend’s FA Cup victory over Plymouth and later underwent an operation to repair a fracture.

It is the latest in a series of fitness issues in a frustrating campaign for the Netherlands international, with the foot issue having been particularly troublesome for some time.

City boss Pep Guardiola said: “Ten weeks, 11 weeks (out), they said to me. When you go for surgery it’s because something wrong happened.

“But the important thing is, it is done. He has struggled a lot this season with the problems in his feet. It happens.”

Ake joins fellow central defenders John Stones and Manuel Akanji on the sidelines, both of whom are also set to miss most of the rest of the season with thigh and groin problems respectively.

Millwall keeper hit for six

Lions stopper Roberts was handed a six-match ban for the reckless challenge on Mateta which hospitalised the Crystal Palace forward.

Roberts’ high boot caused lacerations to Mateta’s ear after the pair came together to challenge for the ball during last Saturday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie at Selhurst Park.

The Football Association submitted a claim to have the ban extended from the standard three matches, claiming three games was “clearly insufficient” for the offence, and the governing body confirmed on Friday that an independent regulatory panel had issued a six-match suspension to Roberts.

“I am devastated by what happened. I unequivocally accept the red card as awarded and accept my punishment,” the 30-year-old said on his club’s website.

Slot targets Saints ‘final’

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has urged players and fans to treat the visit of Southampton like a final and not be distracted by their Champions League exploits against Paris St Germain.

The leaders could go 16 points clear – with Arsenal not playing Manchester United until Sunday – but a game against one of the worst teams of the Premier League era is not one to get the pulses racing.

After Wednesday’s smash-and-grab 1-0 win in the French capital, the attention is, understandably, on next week’s Champions League last-16 second leg which is then followed by the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.

But Slot has issued a plea for everyone to get on board for the visit of Saints, saying: “For me, the one against Southampton is by far the most important.

“I have to convince my players we play three finals and I am hoping that I influence our fans so they understand how important they are going to be.

“I hope they will not come into the stadium five minutes before kick-off, I’m hoping the stadium is already filled half-an-hour before so these players get the reward for what they did in Paris.

“I know the final is there and everyone is already talking to me about how the atmosphere will be on a Champions League night but truly, I hope our fans will be at their loudest.”

Ron the mark again

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 26th goal of the season and the 926th of his career in Al-Nassr’s 2-2 draw with Al Shabab.

The 40-year-old Portugal star lashed home his 18th Saudi Pro League strike this term from a tight angle in first-half stoppage-time.

It was the 463rd goal Ronaldo has scored since turning 30 – precisely the same amount he scored before he was 30.

What’s on today?

The Premier League resumes after a weekend off, beginning with Champions League hopefuls Nottingham Forest’s lunchtime clash at home to Manchester City.

At 3pm, as well as Liverpool’s clash with Southampton, Ipswich travel to Crystal Palace and Brighton entertain Fulham.

Brentford are at home to Aston Villa in the early-evening fixture, before Everton head to Wolves at 8pm.

In Scotland, Aberdeen face a visit from giantkillers Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup.