Manchester City defender Nathan Ake is set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines after fracturing his foot.

Ake has made just 18 appearances across all competitions during an injury-hit campaign, starting 14 times and playing a total of 1,133 minutes.

Six other defenders have played more minutes for City this season – Josko Gvardiol (3,252), Rico Lewis (2,671), Manuel Akanji (2,490), Ruben Dias (1,954), Kyle Walker (1,159 before joining AC Milan on loan) and John Stones (1,134).

The Netherlands international was withdrawn at half-time during City's 3-1 FA Cup win over Plymouth Argyle on Saturday after suffering from discomfort in his left foot.

Ake underwent surgery on Monday, and neither he nor his club have offered a timescale for his recovery.

"This has been such a frustrating season for me but I have now had successful surgery on a fracture in my foot, which has been bothering me for months," Ake wrote on Instagram.

"I am looking positively to the future. Rest and recover now, see you soon Cityzens and thank you for your support."

City were also without Stones and Akanji due to injuries last time out, and neither is expected to return for several weeks.