Manchester City receives a major boost with the return of several key players from injury ahead of their crucial Champions League encounter against Real Madrid.
Manchester City welcomes back several key players from injuries just in time for a crucial Champions League clash against Real Madrid . City has endured a challenging season plagued by injuries, and while manager Pep Guardiola isn't blessed with a fully healthy squad, he's in his best position in weeks regarding absentees. Oscar Bobb and Matheus Nunes were absent from training on Monday, and Rodri remains sidelined, but otherwise, Guardiola has a full complement of players to choose from.
In goal, Stefan Ortega was beaten from 45 yards out at Leyton Orient on Saturday, and City has missed Ederson's distribution in recent matches. The Brazilian is the first-choice goalkeeper and trained on Monday, making his start in this match a certainty. Guardiola has received a significant boost with the return of several defensive options, potentially leading to a pairing of Ruben Dias and John Stones together for the first time since October. They played 45 minutes each at Orient but represent City's best center-back pairing when healthy and performing at their peak. Given the potent attacking force Madrid possesses, their partnership offers the best chance for a solid defensive performance. Josko Gvardiol is set to return at left back after being rested for the weekend, while Matheus Nunes' injury absence could open the door for Rico Lewis. However, Guardiola has used the 20-year-old sparingly in recent weeks, and Manuel Akanji could shift across to full back and provide stability. In midfield, Mateo Kovacic will start, and new signing Nico Gonzalez could partner him after seemingly overcoming the injury that forced him off at Orient. These two can offer stability, while a front four of Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Savinho, and Erling Haaland can provide the creativity. Three of these four were left out of the XI at Orient. While Jack Grealish performed well, Omar Marmoush has shown glimpses of his potential, and Jeremy Doku is fully fit again, with Savinho currently leading the queue. Bernardo Silva, often a key starter for City in big games, might have to settle for a place on the bench.
Manchester City Real Madrid Champions League Injuries Pep Guardiola
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