Manchester City midfielder Nico Gonzalez was back in training ahead of their highly anticipated Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
Manchester City hosts Real Madrid Tuesday in their Champions League play-off first leg, competing for a round-of-16 berth.
Despite injuring himself slightly during Saturday’s 2-1 victory against Leyton Orient, Carlos Gonzalez trained with his teammates on Monday.
Although he left the match just before Leyton Orient’s opener, there were initial doubts about his availability for the clash against La Liga champions Real Madrid on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, winger Jeremy Doku rejoined training after recovering from recurring injuries that sidelined him for five matches. He could make his crucial Champions League comeback this week, bolstering City’s squad ahead of their high-stakes encounter.
Doku’s availability would be a significant lift for City, as the Belgian international has missed considerable game time this season.
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Defender Nathan Ake, another player who has faced injury setbacks this campaign, also trained with the squad. Ake was absent for the Leyton Orient match due to a muscle injury but appears to be nearing full fitness. Goalkeeper Ederson, who has been out of action recently with Stefan Ortega stepping in as his replacement, could also return to the starting lineup.
Despite these positive developments, City will still be without two key players—Rodri and Oscar Bobb—due to long-term injuries.
Spanish midfielder Rodri is likely to miss the rest of the season. Despite his ongoing recovery, he revealed his struggles.
In discussing his situation, Rodri expressed, “No, I don’t deal well with that. You’re more nervous, unable to control what’s going on. Still, I try to support my team from the outside, offering my vision and help.”
The return of Gonzalez, Doku, Ake, and potentially Ederson will be critical for Guardiola as he prepares his squad for one of their toughest challenges of the season. Facing a formidable Real Madrid side, City will need all hands on deck to gain an advantage in this two-legged tie and keep their Champions League aspirations alive.
