Manchester City has made changes to their squad for the Champions League knockout stage, keeping experienced midfielder Rodri, who is still battling to recover from a knee injury. However, he will not be able to play in the round-of-16 clash against Real Madrid.
Both City and Real Madrid failed to secure automatic spots in the knockout stage, with City finishing 22nd in the group phase and Real Madrid securing a playoff spot in 11th place.
The two sides will face off in a two-legged playoff, with the first leg scheduled at City’s home stadium on Tuesday, followed by the second leg at Santiago Bernabéu on February 19.
City announced their revised squad for the knockout stage on Friday. In addition to Rodri, the squad includes Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush, Spanish midfielder Nico González, and Uzbek defender Abdulkodir Kuzanov—three players signed during the January transfer window.
However, 19-year-old Brazilian defender Vitor Hays, who recently joined from Palmeiras for €35 million, is not part of the squad.
Rodri has been struggling with a serious knee injury since September, and City has been feeling his absence in recent matches. There are doubts about his availability for the rest of the season.
Rodri will definitely miss the game against Real Madrid, but Marmoush, González, and Kuzanov are available for selection.
Adding Rodri to the Champions League squad hints at a potential return later in the season. He hopes to make his comeback at the FIFA Club World Cup in the US this June.
However, City manager Pep Guardiola is not willing to rush Rodri’s return, urging the 28-year-old midfielder to take his time.
