 "Man City add injured star Rodri to Champions League squad; will the Ballon d'Or winner play in knockouts?")
In a move that has raised hopes for Manchester City fans, the club has included injured midfielder Rodri in their updated Champions League squad for the knockout phase. While Rodri continues his recovery from a significant knee injury, his inclusion in the squad keeps the possibility alive that he could return to action later in the competition, should City progress to the later stages.
Rodri’s injury status
Rodri, who has been sidelined since September following a torn ACL suffered during a 2-2 draw with Arsenal, will most likely miss both legs of City's upcoming knockout tie against La Liga giants Real Madrid. The first leg will take place at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, with the second leg scheduled for 19 February at the Bernabeu. While Rodri remains out of action for now, his inclusion suggests that he could be ready to return at some point during the tournament if City advances past Madrid.
Rodri has reportedly set his sights on returning in time to feature in the FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the USA in June. However, while his ambition is clear, manager Pep Guardiola has urged caution with the player’s recovery. Guardiola has emphasized that the midfielder must not rush his comeback.
Alongside Rodri’s inclusion, Manchester City has also added three new arrivals to their squad ahead of the knockout round: Omar Marmoush, Adbukodir Khusanov, and Nico Gonzalez. These additions could provide fresh options for Guardiola as City faces one of the most daunting tasks, a two-legged knockout tie against Real Madrid, the most successful UCL team.
However, one notable exclusion from City’s updated squad is 19-year-old Brazilian defender Reis, who has yet to make an appearance for the club since his move from Palmeiras.
Man City’s Champions League squad - List A
Goalkeepers: Ederson, Stefan Ortega Moreno, Scott Carson
Defenders: Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Abdukodir Khusanov, Josko Gvardiol
Midfielders: Nico, Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo, Rodri, Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes, James McAtee, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Savinho
Forwards: Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush
Man City’s Champions League squad - List B
Oscar Bobb, Max Alleyne, Rico Lewis, Nico O’Reilly
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