Concerns about fatigue and freshness are likely to influence Pep Guardiola’s team selection at the weekend when Manchester City host Luton Town in the Premier League.
While the clash might be a crucial game in the title run-in, the visit of Rob Edwards’ side could feel like something of a distraction for City in the midst of those two monumental Champions League encounters against Real Madrid.
The European champions drew 3-3 at the Bernabeu on Tuesday and will therefore need to beat Real at the Etihad next week in order to qualify for the semi-finals once again. Given both sides have won the Champions League in the last two seasons - defeating the other en route to lifting the trophy - the importance of the quarter-final second leg cannot be underestimated.
But, City’s squad has looked a little ragged in recent weeks and Guardiola was without four important players for the trip to the Bernabeu. The City boss also referenced the need for ‘fresh legs’ ahead of the Crystal Palace match last week, while the line-up was heavily rotated for the 4-1 victory over Aston Villa.
Rodri has also revealed he is in line for a rest soon after a gruelling recent schedule for the midfielder, with Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol and Jack Grealish also featuring heavily in recent matches.
But which players are available for City ahead of Luton this weekend, and in the build-up to that meeting with Madrid next Wednesday? We’ve rounded up the latest on every City player who has recently been missing or a doubt…
1. Ederson
Hasn't played in over a month since picking up a knock against Liverpool. The goalkeeper could start against Luton having returned to the bench in the last two matches.
2. Kyle Walker
Guardiola has been vague about the exact nature of the defender's hamstring injury and when he'll return. Walker was a doubt ahead of the Madrid trip and ultimately missed out. He's unlikely to be involved against Luton but could return for the Champions League second leg.
3. Nathan Ake
Has sat out the last three with a calf issue and, like Walker, is not expected to return for the visit of Luton.
4. Josko Gvardiol
Scored his first City goal on Tuesday after overcoming a knock to star at left-back. Gvardiol played the full 90 despite being a doubt ahead of the game, and earned post-match praise from Guardiola.