Major boost for Manchester City fans as Rodri makes it to Champions League knockout squad after long hiatus

Manchester City have been handed a surprising boost ahead of their UCL encounter against Real Madrid, with Rodri being included in the squad.

Major boost for Manchester City fans as Rodri makes it to Champions League knockout squad after long hiatus

Rodri has been named in Manchester City's UCL squad despite being injured. (via GOAL)

Manchester City have received a major boost ahead of their upcoming UCL play-off encounter against Real Madrid with Rodri making a return to the squad. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has been surprisingly included in the Champions League squad.

Rodri has remained out of Manchester City’s side after having injured his anterior cruciate ligament during the club’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal back in September. The Spanish defensive midfielder’s absence has also impacted Man City’s season campaign. The club has lost 11 matches since October last year. They have also dropped out of the Premier League title race.

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While Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola had previously hinted that the 28-year-old’s season has come to an end, there have been rumors of an early recovery. His recent inclusion in the club’s Champions League squad raises the possibility that he could play again. Rodri might, however, miss Man City’s two-legged UCL play-off against Real Madrid, beginning next week. 

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There still appears to be some caution in the Manchester City camp. Guardiola has advised the Spaniard to not rush back into playing. Rodri most recently traveled with the team during their league stage UCL encounter against PSG and also joined them in training sessions. Meanwhile, January signings Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, and Abdukodir Khusanov have been added to City’s UCL squad.

Apart from Rodri, Manchester City will still be without several other players. Defenders Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias are expected to remain away from playing for some time. Additionally, forwards Jeremy Doku and Oscar Bobb are also recovering from injuries. 

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Manchester City leave new £29.5 million singing out of Champions League squad ahead of play-offs clash

Manchester City have left young defender Vitor Reis out of their Champions League squad ahead of their playoff clash against Real Madrid. The 19-year-old center-back most recently joined on a £29.5 million deal from Brazilian side Palmeiras. 

Vitor Reis out of Manchester City squad
New Manchester City signing Vitor Reis was left out of the club’s UCL squad. (via Guardian)

Reis is yet to feature for the club and has remained on the bench in their last two EPL encounters. Despite being seen as a future star at the club, he has been omitted from the UCL squad. This is because the UCL rules allow clubs to register a maximum of three new players before the knockout stages. Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Nico Gonzalez are the three players who have made their place.

Nonetheless, Man City will be hoping to make it into the last 16 of the Champions League by defeating their old nemesis Real Madrid. The Premier League giants ended their UCL initial campaign in 22nd position on the table.