Ake didn’t travel to Madrid for the Champions League semi-final first leg clash with Carlo Ancelotti’s Real.
The versatile defender has struggled with a hamstring injury and missed three games – against Sheffield United in the FA Cup as well as Arsenal and Fulham in the Premier League - before returning and scoring in the 3-0 top-flight win over West Ham.
In the next game, a 2-1 win against Leeds, he had to be substituted early in the second half and then was absent for the 1-1 draw with the Spanish champions in the Bernabeu.
Guardiola, speaking to the media in his pre-match press conference, said Ake - who he believes is feeling ‘much better’ - would be assessed today ahead of the Toffees clash, which takes place on Sunday, kick-off 14:00 (UK).
On his fitness, he said: “I think he’s much better but I don’t know.
“Today we finally had a day off.
“Now we have training in a few hours and we will see.”
Ake’s return would be a boost as he’s a hugely influential member of Guardiola’s squad.
The Dutch international has impressed at left-back in a back four, left centre-back when the boss has played the inverted full-back role and has featured in 42 matches – 29 in the Premier League, two in the FA Cup, three in the League Cup, seven in the Champions League as well as the Community Shield at the start of the 2022/23 campaign.
City are still fighting on three fronts this season in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
We face Madrid in the UCL last four decider just three days after the Goodison Park game but Guardiola stresses his sole focus is on the next assignment against the Toffees.
He added: “My thought is just Everton, no more than that.
“It’s 11 months working for the Premier League, I don’t want to be distracted for Real Madrid.
“We don’t have much time because we play Sunday. It’s a real, real priority the game at Goodison Park.”
