Manchester City could have a fully fit squad for Wednesday’s Champions League second leg against Real Madrid, with Pep Guardiola confirming that Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake should be available again.
The pair, who have missed the last five and four matches respectively due to injury, were unused substitutes last weekend in the 5-1 win over Luton Town, with John Stones the only player missing from the matchday squad. Guardiola revealed after the game that the former Everton man was ‘not injured’ but suffering with a minor ‘niggle’, so should be available against Madrid.
It means that Walker and Ake are the only real question marks heading into the quarter-final clash at the Etihad.
Both Guardiola and Bernardo Silva spoke of Walker’s importance in the build up to the second leg and his potential selection up against Vinicius Junior could be the deciding factor in the double-legged tie.
“Of course Walker is important. The attributes and quality of Kyle everyone knows it, he is special,” opined Guardiola in Tuesday’s press conference.
“Obviously big to have him back, he's our captain. He had played against Vinicius, [Kylian] Mbappe and Neymar, and he knows how to defend against them like no other,” was the verdict of Silva.
Elsewhere, several City stars who were rested at the weekend are expected to return to the team, including Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish. With all that mind, here’s how we expect City to line up for the crucial Champions League encounter on Wednesday…
1. GK: Ederson
Returned to the team at the weekend after missing over a month with a niggle. The keeper is expected to start on Wednesday.
2. RB: Manuel Akanji
Akanji at right-back, as was the case last week, seems like the most realistic choice given Walker has missed the last five games.
3. CB: John Stones
Trained on Tuesday after missing the Luton win and should be back to face Madrid.
4. CB: Ruben Dias
Has played all of the last six games and is unlikely to drop out for this important game.