Real Madrid vs Man City team news: Pep Guardiola gives updates on Kyle Walker and John Stones

Kyle Walker could be available for Manchester City’s Champions League semi-final second leg.
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Pep Guardiola has said Kyle Walker could be available for Manchester City’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday night.

The defender hasn’t played for City since 13 April, when he picked up an ankle injury in the quarter-final second-leg draw away to Atletico Madrid.

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Walker has missed the subsequent five games as a result, but was part of the group that trained on Tuesday ahead of travelling to Madrid again.

Kyle Walker picked up his injury away to Atletico Madrid. Credit: Getty.Kyle Walker picked up his injury away to Atletico Madrid. Credit: Getty.
Kyle Walker picked up his injury away to Atletico Madrid. Credit: Getty.

Asked in his pre-match press conference if the former Tottenham Hotspur man would be available for the clash with Real, Guardiola said a late decision will be made on his fitness.

“He trained and he is going to travel and tomorrow we will decide,” the Catalan responded. “He was three weeks without training but happy he is back and hopefully he will be in contention.”

John Stones was replaced last week in the first leg against Real Madrid. Credit: Getty.John Stones was replaced last week in the first leg against Real Madrid. Credit: Getty.
John Stones was replaced last week in the first leg against Real Madrid. Credit: Getty.

Walker’s return could be a huge boost for City with Fernandinho having to deputise at right-back last week, although Joao Cancelo is also back for the Premier League champions after sitting out the first leg against Real due to suspension.

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However, there’s less positive news when it comes to John Stones, who exacerbated an existing injury in the 4-3 win over Real last week, and had to come off for Fernandinho.

Speaking on Tuesday, Guardiola said Stones will not be part of the group that will travel to Madrid.

Stones is struggling with a muscular niggle, which he originally sustained in the win over Brighton & Hove Albion two weeks ago.

It means City head to Madrid with four fully fit defenders in Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte and Oleksandr Zinchenko, while Walker may be an option and Nathan Ake is expected to be available despite an ongoing ankle issue. Meanwhile, in midfield and attack Guardiola is expected to have a full roster to choose from.